The document also analyzes information on alternatives to prosecution and the issue of fixed penalty notices for stationary vehicle offenses. Figures are generally quoted to the nearest 100 in the text but are given precisely in the tables. The total number of motor vehicle offenses recorded by the police in 1997 was 331,000, an increase of 8 percent compared with 1996 and 36 percent of all crimes and offenses recorded by the police. The number of motor vehicle offenses proceeded against in court in 1997 was 98,900, marginally above the 1996 total of 98,500 but more than 10 percent below the annual average recorded between 1987 and 1995. For 87 percent of offenses proceeded against in 1997, the charge was proved or accepted. A fine was the most common penalty, imposed for 81 percent of charges proved or accepted. In addition to the main penalty imposed, 27 percent of convictions for offenses resulted in disqualification from driving and a further 37 percent in an endorsement of the offender’s driving license. A total of 438,700 fixed penalty notices were issued for stationary vehicle offenses in 1997, 69 percent of which were for illegal parking and 22 percent for failing to display a road tax disk. Figures, tables, appendix