The prosecutor of Bayonne, Mariel Garrigos, describes road delinquency as a “mass litigation field.” She points to the numbers: “In the jurisdiction of the Bayonne court, we recorded 5,672 procedures last year and 942 people attended a training.” The range of infractions includes speeding, driving without a license or insurance, under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Up to road homicides, a qualification added to the penal code since December 2025. A reality that makes the subject “a priority of criminal policy and more broadly of public policy.”
260 euros
The prosecutor expresses concern about the “escalation” of the criminal response. Justice is weighed based on the seriousness of the offense and the profile of the perpetrator. A first-time offender who runs a stop sign without causing an accident will more likely be directed towards a criminal composition measure, where the awareness training serves as an alternative to the sentence. The repeat offender will be prosecuted and judged, with the training becoming part of the sentence or a condition of probation. In both cases, the cost is on the offender: 260 euros. And it can only be done once.
We strongly believe in the power of the group to bring about a change in behavior
Two facilitators, a psychologist, and a driving instructor trainer will oversee the training. “We strongly believe in the power of the group to bring about a change in behavior,” says Bernadette Ducorps, general director of Nouvelle-Aquitaine for the Road Safety Association.
