HC Deb 02 September 1909 vol 10 c580
Mr. JOWETT

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the evidence given at the inquest on the body of Gunner Snow on 14th August last, who was killed by a motor car on Salisbury Plain, the driver of which acknowledged that when the accident took place he was driving his car at the rate of 10 to 15 miles an hour into a dense mist, and to the remarks of the coroner at the said inquest, who said, after hearing all the evidence, that the car in question must have been travelling much faster than 10 to 15 miles an hour; and whether he is considering what steps may be taken to prevent persons who, as owners and drivers of motor cars, are guilty of endangering the lives of others from using the public roads in future for the purposes which they have abused?

Mr. BURNS

I have seen a report of the inquest in this case, and I understand that the question whether proceedings should be instituted against the driver of the motor car is under consideration. With regard to the subject generally, I may point out that if a person drives a motor car on a public highway recklessly or negligently or at a speed or in a manner which is dangerous to the public he is liable to penalties, and in the case of a second offence to imprisonment. Moreover, his licence to drive may be suspended, and he may be declared disqualified for obtaining a further licence for such time as the court thinks fit.