POLICE OBJECTIVES IN THE CONTROL OF TRAFFIC

The police try to keep a balance between the enforcement of traffic law and the interests of the community. Some aspects of accident investigation are an important part of the police role. Supervision and control of motorway traffic, a specialized craft, is discussed. Although it is not the responsibility of the police to impose speed limits they are consulted. It is argued that the 70 mile/h limit is justified in that it accords with design standards, and can be enforced reasonably well. Speed limit enforcement is worthwhile in terms of road safety benefits. Adoption of the hazchem code of marking hazardous loads means that the police are able to take more speedy and effective action in dealing with an accident. The use of the police national computer in tracking down stolen cars is discussed. Examples are given of the problems associated with the prosecution of foreign drivers who commit traffic offences and will not return to the country for a court hearing. This paper was presented at the 33rd Annual Conference of the Institute of Traffic Administration held in Leicester, October 21st and 22nd, 1977. /TRRL/