This article considers the two types of measures used to reduce bad driving, one is the monitoring of traffic, and the second is law enforcement. The advantages and disadvantages of the various methods used for each type of technique are presented and discussed. Realistic alternatives to law enforcement are also explored. The effectiveness of these in terms of actual accident prevention is also discussed. Monitoring methods include direct monitoring by the police and automatic monitoring devices such as speed checking by radar, and the automatic recording of traffic light offences. As regards law enforcements the point is made that it is a matter of chance whether an offence be penalised or not. The ordinary penal nature of certain traffic offences is discussed. Such offences include driving while under the influence of alcohol, failure to stop after an accident, and car stealing. The enforcement measures currently in use are then presented and discussed. These include various sorts of fine, imprisonment and withdrawal of driving licenses. Most enforcement methods are thought by the author to be inadequate and ineffective or even too gross for their consequences. Only those that affect the driving licence are thought to be really relevant. Alternatives to current enforcement measures are then presented and discussed. These mostly include withdrawal of the driving licence. Other penalties for less serious offences include removing a car to the car pound if illegally parked, temporary immobilisation of a vehicle for illegal parking or stopping: temporary immobilisation of a driver for an offence committed to save time, on the spot offloading of overloaded vehicles, community service. Non penal measures include: (a) the loss of the no claims motor insurance, and (b) mandatory suing of the person responsible for the accident.
Samenvatting