Saturday, February 25, 2017

Liberal Democrats East Midlands Spring Conference 2017 Fixing the injustice of Penalty Notices

Liberal Democrats East Midlands Spring Conference 2017  is currently being held
at Oakham CofE School.





There have been various talks and debates throughout the day.

I attended a interesting debate on Policy and Fixing the injustice of Penalty Notices.

The conference voted for change after an amendment to a proposal.

The amendment seemed to highlight that there was not much if any concern
about the police use of Penalty Notices.

The main concerns were those issued by Councils and Schools.

Many offences for which Penalty Notices can be used are subjective and the likelihood of being issued Penalty Notices varies greatly by locality. One example I know off this I know is if you litter
in Leicestershire you may be issued with a Penalty Notice but not here in Rutland.

If you do receive a Penalty Notice most encourage early payment by use if a discounted fine.
If you don't pay and appeal you are not afforded the same discount at the end of the appeal.

People of lower financial means are more likely to concede during the discounted period
of a Penalty notice to avoid the risk of a higher fine.

The Libdem Conference has called for a review of the offences for which Penalty Notices
can be issued or withdraw the use of Penalty Notices for that offence in each case.