thirdcrank wrote:
FWIW, I think that the possibility of disqualification from driving can be a very effective deterrent against bad driving for the type of person who would not ignore a ban. What's needed is a perception that the risk of being detected and prosecuted is high and that on conviction disqualification is inevitable when it's the prescribed sentence. All three of those conditions are widely perceived to be absent.
I'm happy that disqualification be used as both a deterrent and as punishment. And, as you say further down in your post, as rehabilitation. My concern was that the fourth use of sentencing, protection of the public, would be lost in the fog of punishment. I don't insist that it be imposed for life (but could be as justice served to relatives for example) but a short disqualification leaves vulnerable road users again at risk.
And now to the enforcement of disqualification. If it cannot be or isn't enforced, then all its roles fall short. I've tried to avoid a discussion about enforcement in order to stay with my point about protection. Just to say for now, that I do believe it is enforceable but accept that it is a major concern and of course might undermine any use of disqualification in whatever role it was intended.