ABSTRACT
Chapters 2-4 above have set out and discussed the various driving offences forming the subject matter of this book. Chapter 5 considered what contribution law enforcement may have made to achieving a good road safety rating in Sweden. Since shortly after the motor vehicle entered modern society, it has been assumed that the criminal law can and should be used to temper the thrill-seeking attractions and inherent dangers of the car. The body of legislation regulating this mode of transport in England and Wales has swelled over the past century, providing courts and lawyers with a constant stream of work. There seems no danger of the law in this area becoming stagnant, with new offences and proposals being introduced at frequent intervals. Regulation of drivers and vehicles has as its goal the improvement of road safety and the prevention of harm on the roads. However, as may be seen in relation to speeding offences, this laudable aim is frequently unrecognized by those to whom it applies. Other methods of minimizing the harm caused by vehicles include education and improved engineering of both roads and vehicles. The question is how far we can expect the law to go in achieving these aims and how to formulate offences that are most likely to succeed.
