Earlier this week the Government published a consultation on possible changes to the offences and penalties for those who kill or cause injury on the roads. This consultation discusses raising the maximum penalties for some of the most serious driving offences and to create a new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving.
In the vast majority of cases drivers drive carefully and responsibly, but there are occasions when even an error of judgment or slight loss of attention can have devastating consequences. And in recent weeks we have seen a number of incidences on local roads that have resulted in serious injury. For that reason, I am pleased that the Government is absolutely committed to ensuring the legislative framework that the courts operate within, reflects the seriousness of offending and the culpability of the offender.
I would therefore encourage local residents to consider the proposals put forward by this consultation on this important issue. This consultation is available at https://consult.justice.gov.uk/digital-communications/drivingoffences-causing-death-or-serious-injury.
Caroline Spelman