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31/10/2005
Government to crack down on death driving offences
Tough new offences to deal with drivers who cause death on the roads were announced today by the government.
Tabled as amendments to the government's Road Safety Bill, the new measures will create a new offence of causing death by careless driving, with a penalty of up to five years' imprisonment and one of causing death when driving while unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured, with a penalty of up to two years' imprisonment.
Other measures include defining careless driving in statute and putting beyond doubt that the courts can find defendants guilty of a statutory bad driving offence as an alternative to manslaughter. This would mean those found not guilty of manslaughter do not escape justice altogether if they cause death through bad driving.
Criminal Justice Minister Fiona Mactaggart said: "All too often, families who have lost loved ones because of a careless driver have seen the offender getting no more than a fine. That does not reflect the serious impact of the driving on their lives.
"That's why the government is proposing these new offences with tough penalties to deal with bad driving. I believe they strike the right balance between the level of criminal fault on the part of the bad driver and the devastation that their actions can cause.
"We're responding to the concerns of families, victims, road safety groups and the police who responded to our consultation by calling for measures to deal with careless driving that reflect the impact it can have. That's why we're creating a tougher legal framework to deal with bad driving."
The Road Safety Bill was introduced in House of Lords on 24 May 2005 and has just completed House of Lords Committee stage.
The Bill comprises a wide range of measures in support of the government's road safety target of reducing deaths and serious injuries by 2010.
(SP/KMcA)
Tabled as amendments to the government's Road Safety Bill, the new measures will create a new offence of causing death by careless driving, with a penalty of up to five years' imprisonment and one of causing death when driving while unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured, with a penalty of up to two years' imprisonment.
Other measures include defining careless driving in statute and putting beyond doubt that the courts can find defendants guilty of a statutory bad driving offence as an alternative to manslaughter. This would mean those found not guilty of manslaughter do not escape justice altogether if they cause death through bad driving.
Criminal Justice Minister Fiona Mactaggart said: "All too often, families who have lost loved ones because of a careless driver have seen the offender getting no more than a fine. That does not reflect the serious impact of the driving on their lives.
"That's why the government is proposing these new offences with tough penalties to deal with bad driving. I believe they strike the right balance between the level of criminal fault on the part of the bad driver and the devastation that their actions can cause.
"We're responding to the concerns of families, victims, road safety groups and the police who responded to our consultation by calling for measures to deal with careless driving that reflect the impact it can have. That's why we're creating a tougher legal framework to deal with bad driving."
The Road Safety Bill was introduced in House of Lords on 24 May 2005 and has just completed House of Lords Committee stage.
The Bill comprises a wide range of measures in support of the government's road safety target of reducing deaths and serious injuries by 2010.
(SP/KMcA)
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27 February 2004
Maximum sentence for death drivers rises to 14 years
The maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving will increase from 10 to 14 years, Home Secretary David Blunkett has announced today. The increase will target drivers who kill, be it through driving dangerously, driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs or joyriding.
Maximum sentence for death drivers rises to 14 years
The maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving will increase from 10 to 14 years, Home Secretary David Blunkett has announced today. The increase will target drivers who kill, be it through driving dangerously, driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs or joyriding.
15 July 2008
Death Drivers To Face Tougher Sentences
Motorists convicted of causing death by dangerous driving in England and Wales could face harsher sentences under tough new guidelines introduced today. The guidance, issued by the Sentencing Guidelines Council, covers the offences of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Death Drivers To Face Tougher Sentences
Motorists convicted of causing death by dangerous driving in England and Wales could face harsher sentences under tough new guidelines introduced today. The guidance, issued by the Sentencing Guidelines Council, covers the offences of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
22 July 2008
Triple Road Crash Tragedy For Family
A grandfather and his four-year-old granddaughter have been killed in a road accident while on their way to the funeral of a relative. Paul Anderson, 48 and Samantha Carr died on the A9 on Saturday at around 9.20am. His wife and other granddaughter were also injured in the collision.
Triple Road Crash Tragedy For Family
A grandfather and his four-year-old granddaughter have been killed in a road accident while on their way to the funeral of a relative. Paul Anderson, 48 and Samantha Carr died on the A9 on Saturday at around 9.20am. His wife and other granddaughter were also injured in the collision.
20 January 2005
Foreign Office to issue death certificates for tsunami missing
The Foreign Office has confirmed that it will issue death certificates for British nationals missing, presumed dead, in the Boxing Day tsunami disaster.
Foreign Office to issue death certificates for tsunami missing
The Foreign Office has confirmed that it will issue death certificates for British nationals missing, presumed dead, in the Boxing Day tsunami disaster.
14 August 2007
Britain Braced For More Bad Weather
Britain is facing yet more bad weather as the Met Office is forecasting gales and heavy rain across the UK this week. Forecasters say that the worst of the weather is likely to be across the western half of the UK with between 30mm and 60mm of rain expected over some upland areas of England and Wales on Tuesday and into Wednesday.
Britain Braced For More Bad Weather
Britain is facing yet more bad weather as the Met Office is forecasting gales and heavy rain across the UK this week. Forecasters say that the worst of the weather is likely to be across the western half of the UK with between 30mm and 60mm of rain expected over some upland areas of England and Wales on Tuesday and into Wednesday.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
