Legal News
UK will not comply with EU Directive which could let motorists off speeding charges (19 March 2014)
Date: 19/03/2014
Justice Secretary Chris Grayling is warning that under proposed changes in EU law, motorists caught for speeding could escape fines.
A draft European Directive on the rights of suspects and the presumption of innocence has underlined that suspects should retain their right to remain silent and their right not to incriminate themselves.
EU changes to the law may also shift the burden of proof in some cases.
Mr Grayling said that, in the case of road users, the changes could mean justice was not done in court:
“For certain offences like speeding, if the owner of the car no longer had to co-operate by saying who had been driving, the whole system could quickly and up in chaos, paralysis, or both,” said Mr Grayling.
The Justice Secretary has decided that Britain will not comply with the EU changes.
“People don’t want to see Brussels trying to muscle in and reinvent the wheel where it isn’t necessary,” said Mr Grayling.
However, the European Commission has said that the UK is not expected to comply with any changes in the law under the EU Directive.
“None of this will apply to the UK. It will provide safeguards ensuring a fair trial for British citizens accused abroad,” said an EU spokesperson.
Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors
Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise road users facing motoring charges on their rights under UK law – including charges for dangerous driving, driving under the influence (DUI) and drink-drug driving, speed limit violations and road traffic accidents which result in injury to another person.
Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors have four offices in London and a member of the crime team can be with you within 45 minutes.
For expert legal advice on motoring charges and representation, contact Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 020 7923 4020.
For out-of-hours criminal law advice and representation, contact the Duncan Lewis Out-of-Hours Hotline on 07920 077057.