20MPH Zones!
How many of you feel as I do, that blanket 20MPH Zones are a wast of time and bad legislation?
As a young Copper I was always taught that any laws that were ignored by over 80% of the population were by definition bad legislation. I earnestly believe that the current rash of 20 MPH zones fall into that category.
In the first instance, like almost all traffic law they apply for 24 Hours a day. So it is just as illegal to exceed 20MPH in any street at 0300 as it is at 08.40 near the local primary school. Also during the school holidays and at weekends when there are no kids about!
What is really required is a change in driver behaviour in order to cater for changing circumstances, and improve Situational awarness.
Accordingly I have recently applied to my Council, and received approval, in order to approach the Department for Transport for a change in the National law. My proposal will create a new offence of exceeding the 20MPH limit past, or in the vicinity of Schools when the Yellow wig wags are flashing. On First conviction of that offence, all drivers (Except drivers of Emergency Vehicles responding to a call) will lose their licence for one month!
Such an immediate penalty might sound severe, but it is designed so that offenders should not lose their jobs, but at the same time it enforces the seriousness of the offence, and should bring about a change in driver behaviour, - bit like drink driving has done in recent years.
The law already exists and works well in Australia, New Zealand and the States, and is well supported by the public.
I am determined to bring common sense to our 20 MPH laws which are currently not required and not effective.
TF 