Kenway Miller Solicitors saw a marked increase in the number of people accused of speeding and those arrested on suspicion of more serious driving offences such as dangerous driving and drug driving.
Since the start of the coronavirus crisis, there has been a fall in the amount of general crime as most shops, pubs and clubs have remained closed.
Conversely, Kenway Miller Solicitors saw a marked increase in the number of people accused of speeding and those arrested on suspicion of more serious driving offences such as dangerous driving and drug driving.
“People have been using their cars for different reasons than before and their driving habits have changed,” according to Matthew Miller, solicitor and managing director. “There was also a misplaced sense on the part of some motorists during the early days of lockdown that ‘anything goes on our roads.’ However, most fixed speeding cameras were still switched on. Due to the decrease in general crime, the police were able to direct their resources more towards policing the roads which resulted in more arrests and notices of intended prosecutions for motoring offences.”
“In April and May we definitely saw an increase in the number of high-level speeding offences and enquiries from people who had been arrested for drug driving,” Mr Miller continues. “Most areas of the country have reported an increase in the number of arrests taking place for more serious motoring offences.”
Whilst the chances of being accused of an offence may be slightly higher, according to Mr Miller there is a greater prospect of avoiding conviction than before. “Since the middle of March, many Courts in England and Wales have been closed and others have only been handling urgent matters. As a result, many hearings have been delayed. Due to reduced Court capacity, the police and CPS have had to be more selective when making charging decisions.”
Mr Miller, who is one of the country’s most experienced road traffic solicitors, believes that the crisis is likely to have a long-term impact on the criminal justice system which will be felt long after the pandemic has ended. “The guidance issued by the Crown Prosecution Service on the application of public interest criteria openly states that some cases will need to be “weeded out” so that resources can be directed towards more serious cases.”
What could this mean to someone who has been arrested or charged with a motoring offence? According to Mr Miller “There will be more of an opportunity than before to prevent a charge being issued or to persuade the prosecution it would not be in the public interest to proceed even where there may be sufficient evidence. Carefully drafted representations if made at an early stage could make all the difference to the outcome of a case.”
“If the case does proceed, there are numerous technical issues that can be raised but it is important that you instruct a solicitor with experience who knows how to set out the case. If you do so you will give yourself the best possible opportunity of avoiding conviction and keeping your driving licence.”
Kenway Miller is a niche firm dealing with the defence of all motoring offences. To obtain advice and enquire about representation call them on 0161 241 3322 or e-mail your enquiry with the paperwork you have to motoringoffencelawyers@gmail.com
