The defendant driver had provided two specimens of breath at the police station. The device used failed to provide a printout and the constable operating it decided that it could be unreliable. He required the defendant to provide a specimen of blood, which the defendant did. The part-specimen of blood retained by the police was … Continue reading Badkin v Director of Public Prosecutions: 1988
Prosecutors appeal against refusal to accept evidence from academic toxicologist who was not an ‘authorised analyst’ of blood alcohol levels. Whether only ‘authorised analyst’ able to give evidence. Judges: Hughes LJ, Treacy J Citations: [2007] EWHC 1803 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988, 591) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 06 December … Continue reading Crown Prosecution Service v Sedgemoor Justices: Admn 3 Jul 2007
When a driver suffers an obligatory disqualification through a drink driving offence, the court may not at the same time impose on his licence additional penalty points for offences associated with the events of the drink driving offence. The 1988 Act was a consolidating act, and was not to be construed so as to change … Continue reading Martin v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 30 Nov 1999
The defendant appealed against his conviction for driving with excess alcohol, saying that the device used to make the measurement did not have type approval. Held: The appeal failed. Stanley Burnton J considered the issue of type approval of a breath analysis device and said that a device may not be an approved device because … Continue reading Richardson v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 20 Feb 2003
Passengers were injured in motor vehicles. The drivers were uninsured, and the MIB had declined to make payment. The doctrine of direct effect did not apply where the allegation was that the Motor Insurers Bureau arrangement did not comply with a European Directive. It was not clear whether the Bureau was an emanation of state, … Continue reading Mighell v Reading and Another and Evans v Motor Insurers Bureau and White v White and Another: CA 30 Sep 1998
The case asked whether vehicular user of a public footpath in breach of section 34(1) of the 1988 Act could lead to the acquisition by prescription of a public right of way. Held: Hanning barred a claim to the easement under section 2 of the 1832 Act. The user relied on had been illegal since … Continue reading Hayling v Harper and Another: CA 2 Apr 2003
The prosecution appealed by way of case stated from the acquittal of the defendant for failing to provide a specimen of breath. She had been distressed on being arrested, and the magistrates concluded that her distress had been the cause of her failing to provide the specimen at the police station. They certified a question … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Grundy: Admn 3 May 2006
Medical reasons for failure to provide specimen of blood for examination. Judges: Maurice Kay LJ, Mitting J Citations: [2006] EWHC 2007 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 7(6) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 12 November 2022; Ref: scu.244237
The defendant gave two specimens of breath, but they differed so markedly that the officer considered them unreliable. He offered the defendant the choice of a further two attempts or to give a specimen of blood or urine. He was convicted on the second set of breath tests. He appealed, saying he should not have … Continue reading John Kimball Stewart v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 2 Jun 2003
Judges: Mr Justice Chamberlain Citations: [2022] EWHC 2780 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 7(3A), Road Traffic Act 1988 42 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 04 November 2022; Ref: scu.682330
A reason for not giving a specimen of breath remained valid even if not given at time. Citations: Gazette 10-Feb-1993 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 6(4) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 25 October 2022; Ref: scu.80024
Judges: Lord Justice Elias Mr Justice Openshaw Citations: [2009] EWHC 3082 (Admin), (2010) 174 JP 111 Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 7(6) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 25 October 2022; Ref: scu.381667
Citations: [2003] EWHC 1080 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 143(2) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic, Crime Updated: 20 October 2022; Ref: scu.185356
The DPP appealed a finding of special reasons for not disqualifying the defendant after finding him guilty of driving with excess alcohol. He had been stopped driving at excess speed, he had driven over a mile and had a further two hundred yards to drive, and had driven through the centre of Congleton. He pointed … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Conroy: Admn 23 Jun 2003
Appeal against conviction for driving with excess alcohol – officer having mobile phone with him and turned on contrary to manufacturer’s instructions. Held: The appeal failed. ‘This appeal should, in my view, mark the end of arguments before Magistrates’ Courts and Crown Courts that, merely because a mobile telephone or police radio was — still … Continue reading Scheiner v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 13 Jun 2006
The claimant sought judicial review of a dismissal of his appeal against conviction for failing to provide information as to the identity of a driver. The appeal court had found that he had not received the notices requiring him to provide the information, and he said that the court had refused to listen to evidence … Continue reading Purnell, Regina (on The Application of) v Snaresbrook Crown Court: Admn 30 Mar 2011
The AG sought to refer to the court as unduly lenient a sentence of 100 hours community service for causing death by dangerous driving. The had been seen driving erratically along the M6, when he veered onto the hard shoulder colliding with an unlit vehicle, killing the driver. Held: Falling asleep at the wheel usually … Continue reading Attorney General’s Reference No 26 of 1999 Under Section 36 of Criminal Justice Act 1988; Regina v Gastinger: CACD 29 Jul 1999
The defendant appealed by case stated against a conviction for driving a lorry without due care and attention, leading to the death of another road user. There had been an unexplained swing of the rear of his trailer out into the path of the other vehicle. Held: It was plainly open to the magistrates to … Continue reading Bingham, Regina (on the Application of) v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 7 Feb 2003
Judges: Sir Anthony May P, Langstaff J Citations: [2010] EWHC 883 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 17 August 2022; Ref: scu.408623
Anonymised Party to Proceedings The BBC challenged an order made by the Court of Session in judicial review proceedings, permitting the applicant review to delete his name and address and substituting letters of the alphabet, in the exercise (or, as the BBC argues, purported exercise) of a common law power. The court also gave directions … Continue reading A v British Broadcasting Corporation (Scotland): SC 8 May 2014
Appeal against acquittal of offence of driving a motor vehicle whilst over the prescribed alcohol limit. The defendant had challenged the calibration of the Camic breath testing machine which showed the incorrect date. Citations: [1997] EWHC Admin 946 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a), Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 69 Jurisdiction: England and Wales … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Garnett: Admn 30 Oct 1997
A police officer was driving in the opposite direction to the accused. He came round a bend in the road to face two vehicles, one was driven by the accused overtaking the other vehicle. He was in the police officer’s path. The officer braked, skidded and mounted the nearside verge, thus avoiding a head on … Continue reading Bemner v Westwater: HCJ 1993
The defendant appealed aganst his conviction for conspiracy to engage in moneylaundering. At trial he pleaded guilty subject to a qualification that he had not known that the money was the proceeds of crime, though he may have suspected that it would be. Held: (Baroness Hale of Richmond dissenting) The appeal succeeded: ‘the Crown’s principal … Continue reading Saik, Regina v: HL 3 May 2006
driving while disqualified Citations: [2003] EWHC 768 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 3(1)(b) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 21 July 2022; Ref: scu.185586
The defendant appealed a decision of the magistrates to adjourn his trial for a breathaliser offence when the Crown Prosecution Service had not warned officers to attend to give evidence. On this application, the CPS filed an acknowledgment, did not attend the hearing or seek to justify its failure to warn the police officers. No … Continue reading Walden, Regina (on the Application of) v Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court: Admn 19 Mar 2003
Citations: [2008] EWHC 303 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 7(6) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 13 July 2022; Ref: scu.266023
The claimants had been detained under the 1971 Act, after completing sentences of imprisonment pending their return to their home countries under deportations recommended by the judges at trial, or chosen by the respondent. They challenged as unlawful the respondent’s, at first unpublished, policy introduced in 2006, that by default, those awaiting deportation should be … Continue reading Lumba (WL) v Secretary of State for The Home Department: SC 23 Mar 2011
When the appellant appeared at the Magistrates’ Court to answer a charge of driving whilst uninsured, a preliminary point was taken on her behalf that the prosecution had not been commenced within 6 months of the date on which evidence sufficient in the opinion of the prosecutor to warrant proceedings had become available. In response … Continue reading Regina v Haringey Magistrates’ Court ex parte Amvrosiou: Admn 13 Jun 1996
Procedures for testing driver for alcohol Judges: The Lord Woolf of Barnes LCJ Citations: [2003] EWHC 3078 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 7 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 07 July 2022; Ref: scu.191213
Citations: [2005] EWHC 3234 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a) Road Traffic Updated: 05 July 2022; Ref: scu.239264
The defendant appealed conviction involving allegations that he was driving. He was sat at the wheel of a vehicle being towed by means of a rigid steel bar. He denied that he was driving, but had both steered and braked. Held: The magistrates had been entitled to find that he had been driving, having had … Continue reading Traves, Regina (on the Application Of) v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 30 Jun 2005
Citations: [2005] EWHC 1395 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 01 July 2022; Ref: scu.228891
The defendant was the registered keeper of a vehicle recorded as having exceeded the speed limit. He was required to identify the driver. He responded saying that it was one of six fleet vehicles and could not say who was driving it at the time. He appealed his conviction. Held: The defendant’s appeal succeeded. The … Continue reading Jones v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 30 Jan 2004
The claimants sought damages for personal injuries after a crash in a Land Rover maintained by the defendants. The defendants appealed findings of negligence in failing properly to inflate the rear tyres, in continuing despite the danger, and poor overtaking. A further fault was identified in that dirt in the front wheel had led to … Continue reading Exel Logistics Ltd v Curran and others: CA 30 Sep 2004
The defendant appealed against his conviction for having failed to identify the driver of a car caught speeding by a camera. He was the registered keeper. He completed and returned the form, but did not sign it. The statute imposed no explicit obligation to sign it. He also said that since he was already suspected … Continue reading Francis v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 23 Mar 2004
The defendant had been found sat in his car. He had been spinning its wheels, but not moving. The prosecutor appealed against dismissal of a charge of attempting to drive whilst under the influence of alcohol. Held: The appeal succeeded. The defendant was driving. Although the car had not moved, his behaviour required him to … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Alderton: Admn 25 Nov 2003
Citations: [2003] EWHC 2354 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 7 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic, Crime Updated: 08 June 2022; Ref: scu.187319
The two appellant drivers had been sent forms requiring them to identify the drivers of vehicles identified by speed cameras. They had replied providing the requested information, but the forms were unsigned. They resisted use of the forms as evidence against them. Held: The forms could not be used as evidence against the defendants on … Continue reading Mawdesley and Yorke v Chief Constable of Cheshire Constabulary and Another: Admn 31 Jul 2003
The claimant was severely injured when run down by the defendant driving his car. She was in Blackpool, and drunk and wandering in the highway. The defendant was himself at or near the drink driving limit. She appealed against a finding that she was 60% to blame. Held: Courts have consistently required drivers to recognise … Continue reading Eagle v Chambers: CA 24 Jul 2003
Citations: [2003] EWHC 63 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 07 June 2022; Ref: scu.184631
JUDGMENT SUMMARY (Not part of the judgment of the Court) The judgment which is being handed down today relates to an Attorney General’s Reference and three appeals against sentence. The cases have been listed together to enable the Court to decide whether to give sentencing guidelines for the offences of causing death by dangerous driving … Continue reading Cooksley, Stride, Cook, Crump v Regina; Attorney General’s Reference No 152 of 2002: CACD 3 Apr 2003
The claimant had claimed aganst the driver, but gave notice of the intention to make a claim on his insurance by telephone only. The insurers repudiated liability. Held: Whilst solicitors would be strongly advised to give such notice in writing, an oral notice given to a proper officer of the insurer could be sufficient. In … Continue reading Nawaz and Another v Crowe Insurance Group: CA 24 Feb 2003
The defendant challenged the application of the section, under which he was deemed to have intended to drive a vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol, unless he could prove it was not his intent to drive, saying this infringed his right to a fair trial. Held: The section must be read down to comply … Continue reading Sheldrake v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 24 Feb 2003
Appeal from sentence for causing death by dangerous driving Citations: [2018] EWCA Crim 2359 Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 1 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Criminal Sentencing Updated: 05 June 2022; Ref: scu.628201
ECHR The presumption of innocence would be violated if, without the accused having previously been proved guilty according to law, a judicial decision concerning him reflected an opinion that he was guilty. The burden of proof is on the prosecution and any doubt should benefit the accused. Citations: 10590/83, (1988) 11 EHRR 360, [1988] ECHR … Continue reading Barbera, Messegua, and Jabardo v Spain: ECHR 6 Dec 1988
The defendants, a lorry driver and his employer, appealed against convictions for causing death by dangerous driving, and procuring the same. A wheel came loose from the wagon on the motorway, and collided with another vehicle, killing the driver. It was not suggested that the driver’s actual driving fell below a proper standard. Held: Causing … Continue reading Regina v Roberts and George: CACD 31 Jul 1996
Citations: [1998] EWHC Admin 321 Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a) Road Traffic Updated: 27 May 2022; Ref: scu.138442
The court was asked whether a person who has been disqualified under section 36 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 and has not passed the appropriate test, and who then obtains a provisional licence but drives a motor vehicle on a road otherwise than in accordance with the conditions of that licence is guilty … Continue reading Paterson v Guildford Justices: Admn 23 Jan 1998
A constable going through the procedure of breathalysing a motorist has the right to require a urine specimen if subsequently no doctor is available, even where he has already heard from the detainee as to his wish to provide a blood sample, and has agreed to that. Citations: Ind Summary 01-Mar-1993 Statutes: Road Traffic Act … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Winstanley: QBD 1 Mar 1993
A motorist had deliberately failed to complete the breath test procedure twice. In later court proceedings he was able to bring medical evidence that he would have been unable to do so in any event. He was held to have been properly convicted. There could be no reasonable excuse where inability was later shown. He … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Furby: QBD 23 Mar 2000
Following a conviction for driving with excess alcohol, the defendant argued that the short (nil) distance driven constituted a special reason for not disqualifying him. The court said that the magistrates were entitled to take into account the defendant’s intention, over and above what had actually been achieved by him in driving away. Citations: Times … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Humphries: QBD 3 Dec 1999
The duty falling upon a driver to stop and report an accident immediately and in any event with 24 hours, was not dependent upon him actually driving at the time. A driver parked the vehicle on a hill and left it to post a letter. It rolled away and caused damage. The driver ran away, … Continue reading Cawthhorn v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 31 Aug 1999
The choice given to a person detained on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol, of giving either a blood or a urine sample was given satisfactorily, if it was done properly and fairly. Curtis J: ‘I would observe that the words of Lord Bridge in Director of Public Prosecutions v. Warren [1993] R.T.R. 58 are … Continue reading Baldwin v West Yorkshire Police, orse Baldwin v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 3 Jul 1995
The defendant appealed against his conviction for driving with excess alcohol. The officer had given evidence that at the time of the test all of the readings showed that the machine was working properly. That evidence was not challenged by the defence. Held: The court rejected, submissions that the print-out had not been put in … Continue reading Greenway v Director of Public Prosecutions: 1993
Regulations properly excluded requirement for compulsory insurance for driver. Citations: Times 03-Jun-1996 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 145(4A) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 16 May 2022; Ref: scu.87970
The defendant claimed that a breathalyser procedure mistake vitiated the subsequent prosecution. Held: It was essential that the motorist who was asked to provide a sample of breath be first warned that a failure to provide a specimen would make him liable to be prosecuted. Even though the motorist had not in this case been … Continue reading Murray v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 4 Feb 1993
The claimant sought damages following a road accident against an uninsured driver through the Motor Insurer’s Bureau. The Bureau later required him to issue proceedings also against the car owner on the ground that he had permitted the driving. At first it was held the limitation period was six years for such a claim, but … Continue reading Norman v Ali and Another, Norman v Aziz: CA 13 Jan 2000
The appellant a police officer had arrived at work having been drinking. A senior officer asked if he had driven to work. He replied yes, and on that basis had been convicted of driving with excess alcohol. He appealed saying that the question should have been put to him under caution. The magistrates said: ‘we … Continue reading Ridehalgh, Regina (on the Application of) v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 23 May 2005
The defendant appealed his conviction for driving with excess alcohol, arguing that the prosecution had failed to provide the roadside breath test figures. Held: The appeal failed, and was indeed hopeless. Pill LJ said: ‘The specimens of breath which established whether or not a defendant has committed an offence under section 5(1) of the 1988 … Continue reading Smith v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 30 Jan 2007
In the absence of evidence of calibration of an Intoximeter either before or after the second specimen was produced, there had been a failure to prove the precondition that the machine was working satisfactorily. Citations: [1988] RTR 281 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Sneyd v Director of Public Prosecutions Admn 24-Feb-2006 The … Continue reading Mayon v Director of Public Prosecutions: 1988
The defendant appealed his conviction for driving with excess alcohol. The readings on the Intoximeter were too wide apart and the officer requested a blood specimen. He complained that he had not been given a fresh warning before this request. Held: The requests were part of the same transaction. There was no requirement to repeat … Continue reading Edmond v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 23 Feb 2006
The evidence which is admissible on a challenge to the reliability of an intoximeter device is not limited to direct evidence of the unreliability of the breath testing device, but can be based on evidence such as the level of consumption, and the activities of the defendant before arrest and on his or her condition … Continue reading Cracknell v Willis: HL 1988
(High Court of Australia) The court considered a claim for damages arising out of a motor accident in New South Wales, where the claim had been brought in the courts of Queensland. The questions arose as to whether or not a provision in the Motor Accidents Act 1988 of New South Wales which limited the … Continue reading Stevens v Head: 18 Mar 1993
Trafalgar Square is properly a road. The question is one of fact for the justices. In this case the police officer properly stopped a vehicle with a view to carrying out a vehicle inspection. Citations: Times 03-Dec-1999 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 67, 69 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 28 April 2022; Ref: … Continue reading Sadiku v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 3 Dec 1999
The defendants, young boys, had set fire to paper and thrown the lit papers into a wheelie bin, expecting the fire to go out. In fact substantial damage was caused. The House was asked whether a conviction was proper under the section where the defendant had given no thought to a risk of damage, but … Continue reading Regina v G and R: HL 16 Oct 2003
The defendant appealed by case stated from his conviction for using a motor vehicle fitted with a siren. When stopped various items suggesting that driver might be providing an ambulance service were found. The siren was not used. Held: The test was: ‘is the vehicle concerned used (or primarily used) for conveying the sick, the … Continue reading Lord-Castle v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 23 Jan 2009
The defendant had given a specimen of breath over the minimum, but below 5omg, and accordingly he was to be allowed to give a specimen of blood or urine. The choice was the officers using a wide discretion. That discretion was still to be exercised reasonably. As a rastafarian, the defendant had refused to give … Continue reading Joseph v Director of Public Prosecutions: QBD 24 Nov 2003
The defendant had successfully argued no case to answer, on a charge of driving without due care. The prosecutor appealed by way of case stated. From the detailed notes available to the court, it was clear that there was evidence before them to put the defendant to an answer. Case remitted. Citations: [1997] EWHC Admin … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Spicer: Admn 13 Mar 1997
Constable to ask reason why specimen should not be taken under 7(4). Citations: Independent 02-Feb-1994 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 7(4) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 10 April 2022; Ref: scu.90529
The type approval of a radar speed gun was either to be proved, or the police officer was to confirm that a radar gun was of a permitted type. Citations: Times 01-Jun-1993 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1984, Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 Crime, Road Traffic Updated: 09 April 2022; Ref: scu.86546
Requirement for blood test not invalidated by not asking before refusal. Citations: Times 13-Mar-1997 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 7(3) Road Traffic Updated: 09 April 2022; Ref: scu.86340
Defendant needn’t know right to refuse till decision made to take blood sample. Citations: Ind Summary 31-May-1993 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 7 8 Road Traffic Updated: 08 April 2022; Ref: scu.81286
A properly taken urine sample was admissible despite an earlier request for a blood sample. Citations: Times 03-Feb-1995 Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 08 April 2022; Ref: scu.80004
The driver was unconscious following an accident. The police attended the accident. He was acquitted of later failing to report the accident to the police. The prosecutor appealed. The car had crashed as the police pursued it. No notice had been served on him to produce his documents, and he had argued also that he … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v Hay: QBD 13 Jun 2005
Citations: [2018] EWHC 100 (Admin) Links: Bailii Statutes: Road Traffic Act 1988 172 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 04 April 2022; Ref: scu.604741
The second defendant, a farmer, employed the first defendant, inter alia, to drive his tractor. The tractor, when fitted up was necessarily dangerous, but was licensed to be driven on the roads. There was a fatal accident on the highway. The defendants appealed from convictions for causing death by dangerous driving. Held: The Court concluded … Continue reading Regina v Marchant and Another: CACD 21 Jul 2003
RoadPeace challenged certain legislation, as to compulsory insurance for motor vehicles, and for payment of compensation for personal injury and damages caused by uninsured driver, saying that it failed properly to implement European law. Held: Ouseley J recorded and accepted the view of the Secretary of State for Transport and the Motor Insurers’ Bureau that … Continue reading RoadPeace v Secretary of State for Transport: Admn 7 Nov 2017
Mr Justice Julian Knowles [2020] EWHC 2646 (Admin) Bailii Road Traffic Act 1988 172(3) England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 15 January 2022; Ref: scu.654990
The court was asked: ‘i) whether it is possible to obtain a judgment in respect of a claim for damages against a defendant identified only by description (‘an unnamed defendant’), in the context of a motor claim against an unidentified hit-and-run driver, where the vehicle was identified and an insurance policy had been effected in … Continue reading Cameron v Hussain and Another: CA 23 May 2017
The Appellant appeals by way of Case Stated against a decision of the Faversham and Sittingbourne Justices in Kent whereby, on 13th October 1997, they convicted him of an offence of driving while unfit through drugs, contrary to section 4(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and Schedule 2 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act … Continue reading Leetham v Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 13 Oct 1997
Appeal by way of case stated from a decision dismissing a summons alleging a contravention of s. 143 Road Traffic Act 1988, namely use of a motor vehicle on a road without a policy of insurance. The defendant appeared to be using a van for commercial purposes, but had only private and domestic insurance. Beatson … Continue reading The Director of Public Prosecutions v Whittaker: Admn 3 Jul 2015
[2003] EWHC 1451 (Admin) Bailii Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a) England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 28 December 2021; Ref: scu.185344
The appellant challenged his conviction for aiding an abetting the causing of death by dangerous driving as a passenger. The driver had been drunk. Held: The mere intoxication of the driver was not of itself and alone sufficient to establish dangerous driving. Woodward decided only that evidence of drinking was admissible, not that it was … Continue reading Webster v Regina: CACD 3 Mar 2006
[2003] EWHC 729 (Admin) Bailii Road Traffic Act 1988 5(1)(a) England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 23 December 2021; Ref: scu.185573
J sought habeas corpus to avoid her extradition to California on a charge of manslaughter arising from a motor accident. Her counsel argued that the unlawful killing of another by the reckless driving of a motor vehicle on a road was no longer manslaughter by the law of England, since the enactment of the Road … Continue reading Regina v Government of Holloway Prison, Ex parte Jennings: HL 1983
What makes a road a Road? The Court was asked whether a Road was a ‘road’ for the purposes of the 1984 Act’ Held: It has often been said that the public access mentioned in the definition of ‘road’ must be both actual access and legal or lawful access. However, simple reference to a requirement … Continue reading Bowen and Others v Isle of Wight Council: ChD 3 Dec 2021
The defendant was charged after driving a ‘City Mantis Electric Scooter’. He was disqualified from driving. The prosecutor appealed against dismissal of the charges on the basis that the scooter was not of such a description as to require a licence or insurance. Held: If the case was remitted, and the magistrates properly directed they … Continue reading Director of Public Prosecutions v King: Admn 13 Feb 2008
Mr Harrison was convicted by the Sheriff-substitute of an offence under section 7(4) of the 1930 Act on the ground that, while disqualified from holding a driving licence, he had driven a vehicle on a specific road. The Sheriff-substitute stated a case for appeal to the High Court. The facts admitted or proved included the … Continue reading Harrison v Hill: 1932
There was an allegation of an offence of dangerous driving contrary to section 2 of the 1988 Act. The issue was whether the car park where the driving had taken place, not being a road, was an ‘other public place’. The case turned on the fact that there was ‘no evidence of the general public … Continue reading Spence, Regina v: CACD 23 Mar 1999
The court considered the power of courts to allow substitution of a new party after the expiration of the limitation period. Sir Terence Etherton Ch, Hallett VP, Sharp LJJ [2013] EWCA Civ 1555 Bailii European Communities (Rights against Insurers) Regulations 2002, Road Traffic Act 1988 151 England and Wales Citing: Cited – Regina v Liverpool … Continue reading Nemeti and Others v Sabre Insurance Co Ltd: CA 3 Dec 2013
Appeal against conviction for failing as the owner of a car to supply information as to the identity of the driver on a particular occasion. Laws LJ, Wilkie J [2013] EWHC 2039 (Admin) Bailii Road Traffic Act 1988 172(3) England and Wales Road Traffic Updated: 25 November 2021; Ref: scu.517468
[2003] EWHC 54 (Admin) Bailii Road Traffic Act 1988 172(2) England and Wales Crime, Road Traffic, Human Rights Updated: 17 November 2021; Ref: scu.184627
Defence of Necessity has a Place in Criminal Law The defendant appealed against his conviction for driving whilst disqualified. He said he had felt obliged to drive his stepson to work because his stepson had overslept. His wife (who had suicidal tendencies) had been threatening suicide unless he drove the boy to work, since she … Continue reading Regina v Martin (Colin): CACD 29 Nov 1988
The claimant had purchased a car, but not yet received confirmation of its registration in his name. After verifying his friend’s insurance he lent the car to him. The friend was stopped by officers, the non-registrations noted and the car was impounded and destroyed. He appealed against rejection of his claim. Held: The appeal was … Continue reading Pryor v Greater Manchester Police: CA 30 Jun 2011
The defendant was convicted under the 1994 Act of producing counterfeit CDs. He argued that the affixing of the name of the artist to the CD was not a trade mark use, and that the prosecution had first to establish a civil offence before his act could become criminal. The prosecutor appealed the decision of … Continue reading Regina v Johnstone: HL 22 May 2003
Non-resident parents in each case appealed against suspended orders of imprisonment for non-payment of child support. They argued that the procedures used were indistinguishable from those held to be human rights non-compliant in Mubarak. Held: The Commission had not taken all alternative enforcement steps first as required by the Act, and accordingly it was ot … Continue reading Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission v Gibbons; Same v Karoonian: CA 30 Oct 2012
Uninsured Driver Not Guilty of Causing Death The appellant though an uninsured driver, was driving without fault when another vehicle veered across the road. The other driver died from his injuries, and the appellant convicted of causing his death whilst uninsured. At trial he succeeded in arguing that he had not caused the death, but … Continue reading Hughes, Regina v: SC 31 Jul 2013
Four drivers said that the use of approved speed cameras for evidential purposes was unlawful. They argued that the cameras used were not ‘of a description specified’ under an Order. Held: The appeals failed. The different speed trap mechanisms were lawful and specified wihin the regulations. The court discussed the stages involved in the designation … Continue reading Brotherston and Others v The Director of Public Prosecutions: Admn 3 Feb 2012
Highway Code applied by analogy The defendant contended that the three claimants had negligently contributed to the losses they suffered in a road traffic accident of which he admitted primary liability. There had been a spillage of oil, it was dark, the weather was poor, and the claimant passed the scene of an accident over … Continue reading Lac and others v Clayton: CA 3 Feb 2009
Police Entrapment is no defence to Criminal Act The defendant complained of his conviction for supplying controlled drugs, saying that the undercover police officer had requested him to make the supply. Held: It was an abuse of process for the police to go so far as to incite a crime. Lord Nicholls of Birkenhead said: … Continue reading Regina v Looseley (orse Loosely); Attorney General’s Reference No 3 of 2000: HL 25 Oct 2001
