§ Mrs. BrintonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to provide a more severe penalty for those convicted of causing death by negligent driving. [95109]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThere is no offence of causing death by negligent driving. Grossly negligent driving which results in a death could be charged as manslaughter, which attracts a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
685WThe Road Traffic Act 1988 contains two offences of causing death. Causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs both attract a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment. The Government have no current plans to increase these penalties.
§ Mrs. BrintonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to change the charge of careless driving to a charge that recognises the culpability of the driver. [95108]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeWe have no current plans to change the definition of the offence of "careless driving" under section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Research is, however, currently being conducted into the way in which cases involving "bad" driving proceed through the criminal justice system. The results of that research will help to establish whether any changes in the law are desirable.