The author discusses the role of the police in enforcing traffic legislation, referring to a wide range of literature on the subject. He considers the need for traffic laws and the perception of the seriousness of traffic offences. Speeding in particular is not always taken seriously despite the evidence implicating speed in accidents. The effectiveness of a police presence and in particular speed and red light cameras is discussed. The implications of this type of technology for manpower and resources is described. It is noted that in setting out key objectives for policing, the government ignores the considerable time spent in traffic policing and the author sees implications for funding. The cost of road accidents and the need to target young drivers are discussed.
Samenvatting