Tough new sentences for banned drivers

Newspress

Disqualified drivers who cause death on the roads face lengthier sentences, under tough new measures introduced by the justice secretary, Chris Grayling.

The changes - which are expected to come into force in early 2015 - include a new offence of causing serious injury while disqualified. Drivers convicted of this new offence can expect a four-year prison term.

But banned drivers found guilty of causing death on the roads will face prison for up to 10 years, a five-fold increase over the current two-year term.

There has been a widespread call for tougher sentences following the death of Ross and Clare Simons in 2013. The pair - who were riding a tandem near Bristol - were struck by a car driven by Nicky Lovell, who had 69 previous convictions. Eleven of these were for driving while disqualified and four for dangerous driving.

Lovell pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one of driving while disqualified. He was sentenced to a total of 10 years and six months in prison.

A petition to Downing Street led to more 15,000 signatures demanding longer sentences for such offences.

Chris Grayling said:

“I want to make our roads safer and ensure people who cause harm face tough penalties.

“Disqualified drivers should not be on our roads for good reason. Those who clearly choose to defy a ban imposed by a court and go on to destroy innocent lives must face serious consequences for the terrible impact of their actions.

“Today, we are sending a clear message that anyone who does will face much tougher punishment.”

The law will apply in England, Scotland and Wales. Anyone found guilty of driving while disqualified or attempting to drive whilst disqualified receive six penalty points on their license.

In 2012, 8,200 people were convicted of driving while disqualified, with 16 drivers prosecuted for causing death by driving when disqualified, unlicensed or uninsured. Of these, 13 drivers were jailed.

The government is also promising a review of all driving offences and penalties, including plans to tackle the growing number of uninsured and unlicensed drivers.

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By Gavin Braithwaite-Smith, Motoring Research