Questioned on Thursday by the London Assembly about the Met’s work to reduce car-related deaths and injuries, Sir Bernard said the three penalty points currently incurred for the offence was too low.
The Commissioner said current rules meant drivers got “three chances” to change their behaviour and suggested this was too generous.
He told Assembly Members “if it were up to me” the penalty would increase to six points for each offence.
Drivers who build up 12 or more penalty points within a period of 3 years can be disqualified.
The Commissioner also told AMs that traffic cops were “good value for money” and that he was hoping to “squeeze a few more into traffic”.
Such a move would reverse a downwards trend in the number of officers assigned to traffic duties in recent years. Officer numbers fell from 681 in 2010/11 to 628.5 in 2012/13.
Speaking after the meeting, Assembly Member Jenny Jones said: “I welcome that road safety is being taken seriously by the police and that cuts to staffing are being reversed.”
Andrew says
Dead right. This is an offence which cannot be committed except with the deliberate intention to break the law by putting your own convenience ahead of the safety of everyone on the road. Six points the first time as a warning – off the road the second.
Daba says
It’s abhorrent for anyone to claim the need for using their mobile phone whilst driving. No phone call or text is as important as safe driving; preventing unnecessary accidents and potentially, death. If some deems a phone call that crucial at that precise moment in time, they should find a safe place to pull over. A text is not going to be important. I saw a car just the other day, lone driver, L plate’s front and back, driving along a busy road, head down looking at his phone.
It should not take harsh measures to prevent common sense, but it’s clearly needed. Six points first time round, a ban the second. If that isn’t enough to stop you from using your phone whilst driving (at least use a hands-free) you do not deserve a license to kill.