traffic watch

Our man in Havana

Is the evidence of one driver enough to get a conviction under the traffic watch system?
Would it boil down to one persons word against another? Do offenses such as dangerous driving require witnesses not just a member of the public?

ubu

the evidence of another driver is enough afaik but the problem is that the witnesses wont go to court to give evidence, which is why there has only been something like 30 prosecutions on foot of the traffic watch scheme

Do offenses such as dangerous driving require witnesses not just a member of the public?

methinks the public would be the witnesses

ubu

bit more info here

Our man in Havana

Seems to be a pointless scheme, as it is suffient for someone just to deny everthing and then there would be no evidence.

What would stop me from picking out a car number and accuse them of something?

ubu

thats what i was thinking, not too sure how it would work, think thats why they mostly give warnings, someone bearing a grudge could easily ring up and report someone, but i think thats why they have to give a statement and be prepared to give evidence in court. have to get a bit more info on it and find out exactly how it works, does seem a bit pointless if the accused can just deny everything and get off, obviously the govt & garda thought it was worthwhile as it was a pilot scheme and its now extended nationwide

Victor

It's a matter of who is more believeable. "Denying everything" doesn't always worka nd can get you 7 years for perjury.

What would stop me from picking out a car number and accuse them of something?

Conviction for perjury, wasting garda time ...