Supreme State Prosecutor not convinced by plan aimed at clamping down on reckless drivers and repeat offenders

The country’s supreme state prosecutor, Pavel Zeman, has made clear he does not think that the more broadly applied confiscation of vehicles from drivers caught behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs would offer long-term solutions. On Thursday, he voiced approval instead for stiffer penalties for repeat offenders, including jail sentences and mandatory rehab for substance abuse. The supreme state prosecutor was reacting to a plan floated earlier this week by the interior and justice ministers to try and clamp down on reckless drivers. Both would like see courts order the confiscation of vehicles more often than is currently the case, as punishment as well as a deterrent. Mr Zeman expressed skepticism over the idea, suggesting solutions needed to vary from case-to-case, and would not be effective across the board.

Author: Jan Velinger