§ Mr. David YoungTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average fine levied for drivers in the last year who(a) do not have insurance and (b) have not stopped after an accident; what assessment he has made of the desirability of a review of the penalties for such offences; and if he will make a statement. [31163]
471W
§ Mr. MacleanThe average fine imposed for the offence of using a motor vehicle uninsured against third party risks at all courts in England and Wales in 1994—the latest year for which figures are available—was £209. For the offence of failing to stop after an accident it was £133.
For both offences the maximum fine is £5,000, accompanied by obligatory licence endorsement and discretionary disqualification. In addition, for failing to stop after an accident, a sentence of up to six months' imprisonment can be imposed. The Government are satisfied that these penalties adequately reflect the seriousness of the two offences, but remain committed to keeping all penalties under review to ensure that they remain appropriate.
§ Mr. YoungTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases in each of the last five years there have been where a motorist is found not to have the legal insurance required. [31164]
§ Mr. MacleanThe available information relates to the number of findings of guilt for using a motor vehicle uninsured against third party risks in England and Wales, and is as follows:
Findings of guilt for using a motor vehicle uninsured against third party risks in England and Wales Year Number 1990 209,463 1991 225,910 1992 246,054 1993 281,136 1994 286,252 Figures for 1995 are not yet available.