SANEP: broad popular support for fining wealthier drivers more

A survey conducted by the polling agency SANEP suggests that nearly two-thirds of Czechs support a proposal by the Ministry of Transport to base fines for driving violations on the personal wealth of the driver. According to SANEP, the proposal put forward by Minister Vít Bárta last week had the support of 62% of respondents. Four-fifths of respondents said they believe that the current maximum fines are not a burden on wealthier drivers, who they also believe are more prone to violating the rules of the road – a view shared by the traffic police. Some 49% were not bothered by the possibility of police determining the personal wealth of traffic offenders – an idea opposed by 41% of the respondents. Prime Minister Petr Nečas is strongly opposed to the proposal.