Chloe SmithMP for Norwich North
Chloe SmithI regularly get emails from constituents complaining about dangerous driving in and around Norwich, so I was pleased to receive a letter from the Justice Minister, Dominic Raab MP, in which he informed MPs that the Government has now published its response to its consultation on driving offences and penalties for those causing injury or even death.
The Government received over 9,000 replies to the consultation and the proposals emerging from it are:
• To increase the maximum penalty for causing death by dangerous driving from 14 years to life;
• To increase the maximum penalty for causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs from 14 years to life; and
• To create a new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving.
These tougher sentences come after an overwhelming response to the consultation, which revealed substantial backing for the plans from a wide range of people including victims, bereaved families and road safety experts. I am particularly pleased to see the maximum penalty for causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs will both be increased from 14 years to life.
I welcome this news that vital action is being proposed to stop the anguish and misery caused by the actions of dangerous drivers. This is just one part of Government action aimed at making roads safer for everyone. The Department for Transport is separately reviewing cycling safety and seeking views on whether a new offence of causing death by dangerous cycling is needed, and future legislation will take account of, and incorporate, this review.
