TODAY, road traffic offences and accidents are generally associated with the advent of the motor car. But dangerous driving, speeding and road accidents were also a serious problem in the age that preceded them. Nowadays the police have the benefit of car registration plates to identify offenders. Although these did not exist in the 19th century, the law did require all backboards and tail gates on waggons and carts to clearly display the name of the owner and their town or village. Heavy fines were imposed on those who failed to display their details clearly. Offences relating to speeding vehicles were introduced under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 – “Whosoever, having the charge of a carriage or vehicle, shall by wanton or furious driving or racing, or other wilful misconduct, or by wilful neglect …. be guilty of a misdemeanor.”