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Increased penalties for drivers using handheld mobiles follows consultation on life for killer drivers (6 December 2016)

Date: 06/12/2016
Duncan Lewis, Crime Solicitors, Increased penalties for drivers using handheld mobiles follows consultation on life for killer drivers

The government has announced that, as well as a consultation on life sentences for careless drivers who cause deaths on the road, the Department for Transport (DfT) is separately introducing legislation, increasing the penalties for using a handheld mobile phone while driving from 3 to 6 penalty points and increasing the fine from £100 to £200 when a driver is issued with a fixed penalty.

The consultation on life sentences for dangerous drivers who cause fatal accidents was announced on Sunday (04/12/16) and will close in February 2017.

Proposals include new, three-year jail terms for careless drivers causing serious injury.

Dangerous drivers who kill are also set to face life sentences, under plans put forward by ministers – those who cause deaths by speeding, street racing or while on a mobile phone are now facing the same sentences as those charged with manslaughter.

Offenders who cause death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs could also be handed life sentences – an increase on the current 14-year upper limit.

Justice Minister Sam Gyimah said:

“Killer drivers ruin lives – their actions cause immeasurable pain to families, who must endure tragic, unnecessary losses.

“While impossible to compensate for the death of a loved one, we are determined to make sure the punishment fits the crime.

“My message is clear – if you drive dangerously and kill on our roads, you could face a life sentence.”

In 2015, a total of 122 people were sentenced for causing death by dangerous driving, with a further 21 convicted of causing death by careless driving while under the influence.

It is hoped the measures will see custodial sentences for causing death by careless or dangerous driving increase – from an average of 45.8 months in 2015.

The consultation deals with the most serious road offences – it does not cover other driving or regulatory offences, such as speeding, the setting of drink drive limits, the basic offences of careless or dangerous driving and driving while using a mobile phone.
The proposals follow further action in 2015, when the government increased the maximum custodial sentence for causing death while driving when disqualified from two to ten years.

A new offence of causing serious injury when driving while disqualified was also created, with a maximum penalty of four years’ imprisonment.

It also brought into force the statutory requirement to extend a driving ban to take account of any time spent in custody.

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