A consultation on tougher sentencing for those convicted of dangerous driving was widely expected to appear in today’s Queen’s speech, but campaigners have been left disappointed as it failed to get a mention.
Greg Mulholland, MP for Leeds North West, who has campaigned extensively on the issue, had expected the Criminal Driving (Justice for Victims) Bill to feature. Speaking ahead of the Queen’s speech, he said:
"After working with families, charities and MPs from all parties, this January I presented the Criminal Driving (Justice for Victims) Bill in the House of Commons. The Bill called for a range of changes with regards to sentencing, investigations, victim support, and other areas. While we will continue to call for all of the changes in the Criminal Driving Bill, the measures reported to be announced in the Queen's Speech mark a huge campaign success for us and will be a major step forward in helping us deliver justice for victims of criminal driving and their families."
He later tweeted:
Roger Geffen MBE, Cycling UK’s Policy Director said:
“It’s disappointing that the Government is adding further delay to what is an already lengthy process. However if this means we get the legislation right then the wait will be worth it.
“The real problem is not just ensuring that fatal driving offences receive the right sentence. We also need to ensure appropriate sentencing for equally bad driving that happens not to kill.
“Cycling UK also wants to end the dismissal of driving offences that have caused obvious danger as mere ‘carelessness’, given the upset this causes victims or the bereaved families.
“At the same time we also need to see greater use of driving bans where the offender isn’t obviously a continuing source of danger. Prison should be the primary sanction where the seriousness of the offence or the driver’s attitude or offending history suggests that they need to be locked up for public protection.”
Has the government's promised driving offences review been shelved?
The Queen’s speech did however outline new legislation relating to driverless cars with the Modern Transport Bill aimed at encouraging investment in this area. One aspect of it would see autonomous vehicles insured under regular car insurance policies.
Be good if we could stop his type from breeding, I doubt he will strengthen the gene pool much.
Totally agree with you. If a driver sits behind me for a long time because it's not safe to pass or a look over my shoulder is enough to make a...
Think of a number, the list price, and double it?
This makes some sense as the parent will spend a huge amount of time carrying the thing....
*not Lancs, obviously Lord be praised! Perhaps the message is getting through
Just because he shares a program with a dinosaur doesn't necessarily mean he's one too...
"but they call it Artex" Isn't that what people used to paint their ceilings with?
Clearly not "Europe" now anyway!
Where are the colours though? Even the other options are just mehhh. At least you wouldn't need to worry about them getting washed out.
All that is being requested of drivers is they put their phones away before operating dangerous equipment in public spaces. Yes, that means...