Cameras nab more drivers
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• The use of speed cameras to catch reckless drivers increased by 25% in 1997, according to the latest Home Office statistics. More than 30% of all speeding cases involved evidence from cameras last year and speeding accounted for the most dramatic increase among all traffic offences.
Convictions for overloading fell slightly but led to substantially stiffer punishment than most other offences—more than 75% of cases ended up in court. The average fine for overloading was £287, second only to dangerous driving. Most speeding cases were punished with fixed penalties and an average fine of £119.
Drink-driving prosecutions increased slightly, reflecting the greater number of tests with every driver involved in accidents being tested automatically. However, drink-driving has been decreasing since the early nineties, as has the incidence of vehicle theft and careless driving.
Almost 25% of traffic offences were related to paperwork problems such as licences and insurance.