We are living in interesting times in a dystopian world. The country’s traffic information service signs are displaying messages to advise the public and to reinforce the government’s message regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. The message of ‘stay at home, save lives and protect the NHS’ is a stark reminder of how we can do our bit to help each other. A more recent message reads as follows ‘traffic may be different but the speed limit has not changed’.
What’s this all about?
The police are warning that if you are caught speeding then they will continue to support a prosecution. They have reported that roads and motorways are being used as ‘racetracks’ by a minority.
Will the Magistrates sentence differently?
Well I expect they may. They have guidelines that they can go outside if they want to (remember the London Riots and prison sentences for looters?) if the circumstances justify it. High speeds are irresponsible as the chances of accident and injury and/or death are increased dramatically. The police have other priorities and the health service needs to concentrate on treating and saving the public from a virus that does not respect the rule of law.