§ Mr. TruswellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received regarding the penalties for causing death by dangerous driving; and if he will make a statement. [59592]
§ Mr. Hilary BennThe Government receive correspondence from members of the public, MPs and the judiciary regarding the penalty for causing death by dangerous driving as well as the sentences imposed in individual cases. A good proportion of the representations are in favour of an increase in the penalty.
The offence of causing death by dangerous driving was included within the ongoing review of road traffic penalties. We have received comprehensive and detailed responses to the proposals in the review's consultation paper, including comments on the proposals for the offence of causing death by dangerous driving, from many representative groups and organisations. We also received a large number of communications, either by letter or e-mail from members of the public. In addition, Ministers meet with representative groups such as RoadPeace and the Motorists Forum from time to time to discuss road traffic issues.
We are in the final stages of completing the Government's response to the consultation exercise.