§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Transport whether she is aware that many thousands of owners of unlicensed vehicles are awaiting prosecution, and that there is such a back-log of cases that it now takes many months to investigate reports and complete prosecutions; and to what extent her proposals for legislation to enable traffic wardens to make reports of unlicensed vehicles will expediate the prosecution of these motorists.
§ Mr. CarmichaelThis is not the case nationally. In London, where about half the total number of reports for the whole country arise, the police operate a different reporting procedure and considerable time is necessary for investigation. Prosecution proceedings depend largely upon Court processes.
The use of traffic wardens in reporting offences would not of itself expedite prosecutions. Evasion must be discouraged 105W by making it less profitable, and this is why new provisions regarding penalties have recently been introduced.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Transport whether the proposed legislation to enable traffic wardens to report apparently unlicensed vehicles will also include the system of the automatic fine, as in the case of parking offences at present.
§ Mr. CarmichaelWe are considering with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary whether non-display of an excise licence should be made a "ticket" offence. But, as my hon. Friend has been informed, a fixed penalty would not be appropriate for the offence of unlicensed use.