Convicted Driver
Loophole found in points system
Tue, 20 Dec 2005
Motorists caught speeding are 'playing the system' to avoid having penalty points added to their licences, it has been found.
According to a report by EDP24 News, drivers in Norfolk have found a loophole in the magistrative system whereby unwanted points can be dodged.
Drivers who refuse to fill out the mandatory forms sent by speed camera chiefs in the event of being snapped and who choose not to attend court are automatically punished in their absence with both a fine and penalty points.
However, a handful of motorists have discovered that unless magistrates obtain a date of birth for the vehicle's registered owner, points and fines can not be enforced.
North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb said that the situation brought "the whole system into disrepute", claiming that he intended to raise the matter in the House of Commons.
"There needs to be an urgent assessment of what needs to be done to close this loophole and ensure the system has integrity," he said.
"Otherwise only those who choose to comply with the system and are decent and honest end up getting penalised when everybody else doesn't, which is entirely wrong."
Drivers caught on camera and faced with the prospect of unwanted penalty points can benefit from taking out convicted driver insurance.
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