November 2008 saw the launch of a consultation into proposed new road traffic laws for the UK. If implemented they would see a number of new provisions being introduced, the increase of a number of exisiting penalties and, most controversially, the increasing of police powers to penalise drivers for speeding. In this summary, keepmedriving looks at those proposals and how it might affect motorists.

The Government takes the view that speeding is a major contributory factor in road collisions and as a result plans to take steps to deal with it at those places where it is felt to be most of a threat.

Whilst the Government report that drink driving offences continue to fall, nevertheless there are still those who continue to drink whilst driving and whose actions lead to many fatal accidents.

The Government plans to overhaul the system for driver training, with the possibility of giving the police powers to order remedial training in lieu of prosecution for low-level careless driving offenders.

Increasing concern over the number of people driving whilst under the influence of drugs has lead the Government to readdress its position.

The Government propose to clarify and tighten up on seat belt laws in so far as they relate to children and to increase the fixed penalty for not wearing a seat belt.

The Government is considering requiring that remedial training be undertaken before those disqualified are re-tested. There will also be courses specifically aimed at those who incur penalties whilst still a new driver.