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Difficulty: MediumSignals by Authorised Persons

Authorised National Highways traffic officers have the statutory power to issue fixed penalty notices and driving licence penalty points to motorists who exceed motorway speed limits.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False
Under Highway Code Rule 108 and the Traffic Management Act, National Highways traffic officers have powers to direct and stop traffic on motorways and some major 'A' class roads to keep traffic moving and clear incidents safely. While failing to comply with their directions is an offence, they do not possess police powers to issue speeding tickets, levy fixed penalties, or endorse driving licences with penalty points.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the role and statutory powers of National Highways traffic officers under UK road traffic law.
Traffic officers have powers to direct and stop traffic, clear incidents, and close lanes on motorways and major trunk roads.
Highway Code Rule 108 establishes that drivers must obey directions given by traffic officers, making failure to comply an offence.
2
Distinguish between traffic management duties and criminal/traffic offence enforcement powers.
Enforcement powers—such as issuing fixed penalty notices, adding points to a licence, or arresting drivers—are reserved solely for police officers.
Traffic officers support road safety and traffic flow but do not have constabulary powers of prosecution or penalty issuance.
3
Evaluate the accuracy of the statement.
The statement claims traffic officers can issue penalty notices and points, which is legally incorrect.
Only police officers have the statutory power to issue penalty points and fines for speeding.

Key Concept

Statutory powers and authority limits of National Highways traffic officers versus police officers
Estimated Time:45s
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Signals by Authorised Persons

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