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Cycling UK disappointed as tougher sentencing for dangerous drivers fails to appear in Queen’s speech

Separate bill aims to put UK at forefront of autonomous vehicles industry

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.

Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.

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3 comments

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harrybav | 7 years ago
1 like

Was only Cycling UK disappointed? That's news to me.

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Housecathst | 7 years ago
4 likes

Of course the Tories are going to include anything in the Queens speech, dangerous drivers are one of there key voting demographics, they can't have them all end up in prison. 

Especially now that there racist bigot vote has been split by ukip 

Avatar
rliu replied to Housecathst | 7 years ago
2 likes
Housecathst wrote:

Of course the Tories are going to include anything in the Queens speech, dangerous drivers are one of there key voting demographics, they can't have them all end up in prison. 

Especially now that there racist bigot vote has been split by ukip 

Maybe the Tories may finally support the European Court of Human Rights endorsed votes for prisoners if this Bill passes through and their key demographic swells the prison population?

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