Stephensons Solicitors LLP are launching a free interactive service that will put drivers in touch with experienced road traffic solicitors at the touch of a button.
Called Carry on Driving, the national online and telephone service is the brainchild of leading motoring lawyer, Sean Joyce, a partner at Stephensons. Carry on Driving is a members only service, providing 24-hour expert legal advice and representation to those who have been accused of committing a motoring offence, whether they are an individual road user or a corporate business with a fleet of vehicles.
Members who find themselves facing prosecution can either call a freephone helpline, which will put them in touch with specialist road traffic solicitors or they can use the online interactive ‘live-chat’ tool on Stephensons’ website, which will allow them to exchange messages with a road transport solicitor in real time, during office hours.
Sean said: “With continuous changes to road traffic and transport laws and the constant threat from other road users, motoring prosecutions are a common occurrence and a particular hazard for business people on the move.”
The latest available statistics from the Ministry of Justice* reveal there were 12.7million motoring offences in 2006, with careless driving offences rising by 101%, vehicle test and condition offences up by 31%, while offences of using a mobile while driving have gone up by almost a third.
Sean added: “These huge figures suggest it’s highly likely people will face getting caught for a motoring offence at some point in their lives. Sometimes the alleged offence could be minor, at other times it could be far more serious but any conviction could have a potentially life changing effect, perhaps loss of livelihood or even liberty.”
Carry on Driving will enable drivers to feel protected behind the wheel. It will give drivers the ability to get quick initial legal advice specific to their own situation at the click of a mouse or at the end of a phone line, with all queries answered within one working day.
Legal representation will also be provided 24 hours a day for any member who is placed under arrest for a serious road traffic offence at a police station in England or Wales, and who is to be interviewed under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.
It also gives access to discounted fixed-fee legal representation at Court by specialist solicitors or barristers, for any type of road traffic or transport offence.
Sean added: “Membership costs nothing but it could save drivers thousands in the long run if they are facing a disqualification, fine or ban.”
To find out more about free membership to Stephensons’ Carry on Driving, email saj@stephensons.co.uk or call 0845 00 20736.
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The Ministry of Justice Statistical Bulletin on Offences and Breath Test Statistics for England and Wales 2006 reported:
- In 2006, 12.7million motoring offences were dealt with by official police action or penalty charge notices.
- In 2006 speed limit offences comprised 40% of all motoring offences dealt with by the police.
- In 2006 164,900 fixed penalty notices were issued for the offence of using a hand held mobile phone while driving.
About Carry on Driving and Stephensons:
- The Carry on Driving service can be accessed here: www.stephensons.co.uk/carryondriving
- Sean Joyce specialises in road traffic and road transport law and has a proven track record in helping individuals avoid penalty points and disqualifications from driving. He also provides advice and representation to the road haulage industry in both the Magistrates Court and before the Traffic Commissioner at public inquiries, representing both drivers and vehicle operators.
- The latest edition of Legal 500 ranks Stephensons as a top 50 UK law firm and the fifth largest legal practice in the North West.
- The company has 27 partners and more than 450 staff in five locations: Manchester, Wigan, Bolton, Leigh and St Helens.
Media information: Lianne Tracey
Stephensons Solicitors LLP
Tel: 01616 966 229
Email: lct@stephensons.co.uk