Cycling UK calls for longer bans alongside tougher sentences for drivers who kill

The national charity Cycling UK says that longer bans from driving should accompany government proposals unveiled at the weekend to introduce tougher prison sentences for motorists who kill or cause serious injury to other road users.

The national cycling charity has also repeated its call for a full review of all road traffic offences, and has urged the government to “lay out a clear commitment and timescale for its proposals to consider driver disqualifications.”

As we reported on Saturday, drivers who kill where there are aggravating circumstances, such as being drunk, speeding or using a handheld mobile phone at the wheel, may face life imprisonment under government plans.

> Drivers who kill now face life behind bars

But Cycling UK, which has the support of organisations including RoadPeace and RoSPA, points out that while in 2014 former secretary of state for justice Chris Grayling outlined plans for a full review of all road traffic offences, the consultation eventually launched in December 2016, only considered those resulting in serious injury or death.

The charity’s head of advocacy and campaigns, Duncan Dollimore, said: “Longer sentencing is not the only answer for drivers who kill.

“A mistake while driving is one of the few activities which can see an otherwise law-abiding citizen’s actions result in death or serious injury for a fellow road user.

“In such cases, custodial sentencing is not always the answer, but the use of longer and life driving bans are.”

He added: “Cycling UK is pleased to see government is considering driving bans as an option, but we urge them to make their commitment clearer and establish a clear timeline for consultation.”