The Police and Criminal Justice Minister, the Rt Hon Damian Green MP, has announced that every area is to have a dedicated 'Traffic Court' to deal with low-level road traffic offences. Local areas are being urged to work with the judiciary to set up the courts as part of proposals to reduce delays and focus more on serious and contested cases. This forms part of the Government's vision for a more efficient and effective criminal justice system that meet the needs of victims, witnesses and communities.
Justice Minister Damian Green said:
"'Enforcing traffic laws is hugely important for road safety, and saving lives. However these cases take nearly six months on average from offence to completion, despite the fact that over 90 per cent of cases result in a guilty plea or are proved in absence - this is simply unacceptable.
"The justice system must respond more quickly and effectively to the needs of victims, witnesses and local communities and these dedicated courts will enable magistrates to better organise their work and drive greater efficiency."
There are around half a million summary motoring cases heard every year including speeding, traffic light and document offences. Although these offences are relatively minor they often take longer from offence to completion than much more serious cases. A task force of partners across the criminal justice system was set up to look at why this was the case and recommend how the system could be improved, to ensure the cases are dealt with both justly and efficiently.
Michael Tomlinson has worked as a barrister in Dorset for the past ten years. He discussed the new traffic courts with Damian Green and how they will affect Dorset. Michael said, “I very much welcome these proposals. They will free up Court time and help to prevent delays. For us living and working here in Dorset this will mean that the Courts can deal more efficiently with both traffic offences and more serious cases as well.”