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Research Reveals Rise in Road Traffic Offence Convictions

Interesting new research by IAM RoadSmart has revealed an increase in the number of convictions for road traffic offences in England and Wales over the past three years.

Its analysis of official Government figures found that numbers have increased steadily from a low point in 2013 – including a significant 52% increase in dangerous driving convictions.

Guilty verdicts were apparently at 1.2 million in 2006 and declined for seven years until 2014 when the total number of offences started rising again and have continued to do so ever since.

Renewed Focus on Traffic Policing

According to IAM RoadSmart, there is no one single reason why conviction rates are on the rise again, but it suggests that a combination of targeted enforcement, increased electronic surveillance and a renewed focus on traffic policing after years of neglect may all be behind the increases.

In 2016 (the latest year for which figures are available) there was an increase of 19% in the total number of convictions compared to the most recent low in 2013.

The figures also reveal a welcome 10% drop in those convicted of drink-driving since 2013, when 43,000 drivers were found guilty compared to just under 39,000 in 2016 – a steady decline over the three year period and an impressive 50% reduction from the 78,029 high in 2006. 

In addition, the number of convictions for the offence of using or causing others to use a mobile phone whilst driving dropped by more than half in the past five years, from 32,404 in 2011 to 13,847 in 2016 - a reduction of over 57%.

However, one motoring offence which has been on the rise steadily since 2006 is ‘failing to supply information as to identity of driver when required’.

In 2006 there were 12,056 convictions but by 2016 this number had grown to 82,029. IAM RoadSmart suggests that this is most likely linked to increased forms of surveillance leading to more requests to confirm the identity of the driver.

Courts Taking Motoring Offences Seriously

“This will be good news indeed for motorists who have been concerned for a long time about the level of convictions for the most dangerous motorists,” commented Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research.

“It also shows that the most serious motoring offences are being taken seriously by the courts – even though there is a long way to go an increased certainty of conviction might get some drivers out of the mindset of thinking they can get away with drink or drug driving or using a hand-held mobile phone at the wheel of a car,” he added.

Effectiveness of Speed Awareness Courses

A separate piece of research has looked at the effectiveness of speed awareness courses in reducing reoffending amongst those convicted of speed-related driving offences.

The analysis, reported on by the RAC Foundation, apparently found that participation in a speed awareness course cuts reoffending rates by as much as 23% after six months, compared with those drivers who were offered a course but turned it down.

The findings appear in a Department for Transport-commissioned study carried out by Ipsos MORI, which concludes:

“The findings from this evaluation showed that participation in the National Speed Awareness Course has a larger effect in reducing speed reoffending than the penalty points and fine associated with Fixed Penalty Notices for the types of driver offered the course.”

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