Cycling UK disappointed as tougher sentencing for dangerous drivers fails to appear in Queen’s speech

A consultation on tougher sentencing for those convicted of dangerous driving was widely expected to appear in today’s Queen’s speech, but campaigners have been left disappointed as it failed to get a mention.

Greg Mulholland, MP for Leeds North West, who has campaigned extensively on the issue, had expected the Criminal Driving (Justice for Victims) Bill to feature. Speaking ahead of the Queen’s speech, he said:

"After working with families, charities and MPs from all parties, this January I presented the Criminal Driving (Justice for Victims) Bill in the House of Commons. The Bill called for a range of changes with regards to sentencing, investigations, victim support, and other areas. While we will continue to call for all of the changes in the Criminal Driving Bill, the measures reported to be announced in the Queen's Speech mark a huge campaign success for us and will be a major step forward in helping us deliver justice for victims of criminal driving and their families."

He later tweeted:

Disappointing that nothing in #QueensSpeech on #criminaldriving, but hoping to hear more during #QueenSpeech debates in coming days.

— Greg Mulholland (@GregMulholland1) May 18, 2016

Roger Geffen MBE, Cycling UK’s Policy Director said:

“It’s disappointing that the Government is adding further delay to what is an already lengthy process. However if this means we get the legislation right then the wait will be worth it.

“The real problem is not just ensuring that fatal driving offences receive the right sentence. We also need to ensure appropriate sentencing for equally bad driving that happens not to kill.

“Cycling UK also wants to end the dismissal of driving offences that have caused obvious danger as mere ‘carelessness’, given the upset this causes victims or the bereaved families. 

“At the same time we also need to see greater use of driving bans where the offender isn’t obviously a continuing source of danger. Prison should be the primary sanction where the seriousness of the offence or the driver’s attitude or offending history suggests that they need to be locked up for public protection.”

Has the government's promised driving offences review been shelved?

The Queen’s speech did however outline new legislation relating to driverless cars with the Modern Transport Bill aimed at encouraging investment in this area. One aspect of it would see autonomous vehicles insured under regular car insurance policies.