Road Traffic Courts The Chief Constable of Southport, speaking at
the National Road Conference on Tuesday, pointed out that magistrates still hesitate to inflict suitable punishment for dangerous driving—namely, iMprisonment and with- drawal of licence. The question inevitably arises whether the ordinary magistrate's court is fitted to deal with cases of this kind. There is very much to be said'for a proposal made by Mr. Graham Page frt 'the Law Society's meeting at Hastings. He suggested the establishment of separate courts presided over by specially selected traffic judges With jurisdiction to cover all matters relating to road traffic ; they would take over work now performed by High Courts, County Courts, and Magistrates' and Coroners' Courts. This would haVe the two-fold effect of relieving 'other courts whose time is already congested, and ensuring expertness in the handling of traffic eases. More uniformity is needed in the application of the law ; less misplaced sympathy with dangerous drivers ; and simplicity in procedure. Mr. Page's plan would Cost money. It would be worth it if it made the roads safer.
Previous page
