Cameras are for cash

Oct 25 2003 By The Journal

'Red card' traffic scheme launched

The Routemaster Road Safety Scheme which will see careless drivers given football-style red and yellow cards, was launched yesterday

Minor errors will earn a yellow warning card while a repeat offence or a more serious mistake will result in a red card - requiring motorists to pay their way through a driving course or face prosecution.

Acting Chief Inspector Paul Gilroy said the scheme was an extension of a similar scheme for motorcyclists which had been successfully pioneered by Northumbria police

He said: "Instead of operating a zero tolerance attitude and hitting people with fines we are trying to cut casualties by educating and working with drivers."

Sergeant Gary Hoddinott said the scheme would free up police time by cutting the red tape associated with issuing charges and penalties.