News Date: Wednesday 7th July 2004
Local MP seeks increased penalties for illegal drivers
Conservative MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, Tim Loughton, has tabled a parliamentary motion which calls on the Government to introduce increased penalties for people who drive illegally who maim or kill, and for drivers who fail to stop after an accident.
Recently published Government figures estimate that there are currently some 1.25 million people driving without insurance, with uninsured drivers involved in accidents costing ?500 million a year and 1.75 million untaxed vehicles on our roads. The research also shows that drivers of untaxed vehicles are nine times more likely to be involved in a crash.
This action from Tim Loughton follows on from the tragic death of Natalie McCabe, a Shoreham resident, who was killed aged 21 on 12th October 2003 by a driver with no licence or insurance, whilst under the influence of alcohol. The petition which her parents have circulated since her death has already gained 16,000 signatures. This is a matter close to many people’s hearts and something must be done about it now.
Tim Loughton MP commented:
“These really are shocking statistics which prove that much more needs to be done by the Government to catch illegal drivers.
“Separate increased penalties need to be introduced for illegal drivers who maim or kill and particularly for those who fail to stop after accidents. The Government needs to send out a clear message that such irresponsible and reckless behaviour will not be tolerated on our roads”.
ENDS
Note to editors:
EDM
Penalties for driving illegally
That this House notes with concern the number of pedestrians and passengers who have been tragically killed or suffered serious injury in road traffic accidents caused by drivers not legally entitled to drive, most commonly through failing to have a valid driving licence or insurance cover or driving whilst already disqualified; further notes that around 300,000 people were proceeded against for these offences in 2002 yet Government figures estimate that there are currently some 1.25 million persons driving without compulsory motor insurance, with uninsured drivers involved in accidents costing ?500 million a year let alone the cost in human suffering; is alarmed at figures suggesting that there are 1.75 million untaxed vehicles thought to be on the roads with Government research showing that drivers of untaxed vehicles are nine times more likely to be involved in a crash; welcomes new measures brought in by the Government to increase the maximum penalty for causing death offences to 14 years and now calls on them to institute a review aimed at introducing a separate penalty category for illegal drivers who maim or kill with significantly enhanced penalties, and particularly for those drivers who fail to stop after such accidents, in order to send a clear message that such grossly irresponsible and reckless behaviour will not be tolerated on our roads.
