Penalties for Driving Offences

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28561, 15 April 1958, Page 12

Penalties for Driving Offences

Education and appeals for caution have their places in campaigns for road safety. But the toll of accidents forces the conclusion that the better hope of keeping the roads reasonably safe lies in strengthened supervision and discipline rather than in appeals to the conscience or the common sense or even the self-interest of road users. This attitude was adopted by the Minister of Transport (Mr Mathison) when he addressed the New Zealand Road Safety Council last week. Mr Mathison asked the- council to consider steps now under review by his department, and in particular he sought the opinion of the council on increased penalties for offences against the traffic laws. In the main, the Minister proposes to move in the direction of restricting licences. The periods licences may be cancelled under existing law would be lengthened substantially. Although no-one wants to invite unduly restrictive laws or !o persecute motorists, it is only reasonable and sensible to give appropriate powers to the Courts to deal effectively with drivers whose behaviour shows them

clearly to be a danger to themselves and others; and putting such drivers off the road is clearly the most effective method that offers itself. Too often Courts have commented that the law prevents them from dealing with licences as they would wish. Naturally, proposals that would restrict the liberties of citizens must be examined most carefully, and this the Road Safety Council proposes to do at a special meeting in June, after interested parties have examined the Minister’s proposals. What may be found objectionable is the proposal for mandatory cancellation of licences for fixed periods on conviction. There is everything to be said for keeping off the roads those who can be touched neither by appeals to their own interest nor by decent, humane consideration for the safety of others. The Courts should have adequate powers to deal with such persons, but to veer too far in one direction might produce denials of justice. Is it wise to depart in the case of traffic offenders from the sound general principle that givtes the Courts wide discretion in fixing penalties for most crimes and misdemeanours?