Special traffic courts to hear minor motoring cases
Traffic courts will be set-up to deal with speeding motorists and traffic-light jumpers in a bid to free up more time for more serious cases, the Government has announced.
Special traffic courts to be set-up. Credit: Andy Butterton/PA Wire
Around half a million motoring cases are heard in magistrates' courts every year and can often take longer to progress than major offences, the Ministry of Justice said.
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% 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."
Bristol centre to close to traffic on selected Sundays
If successful, the scheme will be extended to include more streets Credit: ITV News West Country
Bristol city centre is to close to traffic on selected Sundays, Mayor George Ferguson will announce today. The Making Sundays Special scheme will start on the twenty third of June and ban traffic from the streets to encourage community groups and street performers.
Initially, once a month over the summer, the scheme is expected to become weekly. It could also be extended to include more streets if successful and folows the example of Bristol's twin French city, Bordeaux.
Edmund King, president of the AA, has warned of people driving so-called "snowman cars" by not clearing off the piles of snow on top of their vehicles before getting behind the wheel.
Drivers must clear the snow off their windscreens, lights and tops of their cars before setting out.
This morning we have spotted lots of 'snowman cars', which are cars driving along with piles of snow on their tops.
I saw one sports car this morning on the M3 with almost a snowman of its roof but the dangerous thing was that it was being followed by a motorcycle.
The hardened snow could have been a real hazard, had it fallen off in the path of the motorcycle.
We have also seen drivers peering out of small openings on their windscreen as if they were driving a tank.
The other issue is the number of cars with their lights and indicators compacted with hardened snow.
Drivers need to take a broom to clear excess snow off their vehicles before setting out.
Passengers are advised not to attempt travelling in or out of Devon using rail links Credit: ITV WESTCOUNTRY
First Great Western - London Paddington to Bristol Parkway. Disruption between London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads, and between London Paddington and Swansea due to flooding between Swindon and Bristol Parkway.
First Great Western - London Paddington to Tiverton Parkway. Disruption between London Paddington and Penzance, and between Bristol Temple Meads and Plymouth due to flooding between Exeter St. Davids and Tiverton Parkway, and at Teignmouth.
Tickets are being accepted on South West Trains and FirstGroup bus services.
CrossCountry - Bristol Temple Meads to Tiverton Parkway. Disruption between Bristol Temple Meads and Penzance, and between Bristol Temple Meads and Plymouth due to flooding between Exeter St. Davids and Tiverton Parkway, and at Teignmouth. Tickets are being accepted on First Great Western services.
Motorway Credit: David Jones/PA Wire/Press Association Images
A disgruntled commuter has put the M6 up for sale on auction site Ebay.
He claims the item is "used" and "not in great condition". It's "always in need of roadworks", so to compensate Corley Services will be thrown in for free.
Bidding started at 99p and the bid currently stands at £150, 600.
