On Tuesday 18th December, Rugby MP Mark Pawsey asked Justice Minister Damian Green MP what steps he is taking to address the harm and injury caused by dangerous drivers. Mark asked the question after two Rugby constituents, who lost their daughter fourteen years ago, met with him to ask what pressure could be put on Government to change driving laws. In his response, the Minister praised Mark for his campaigning on the matter.
Speaking afterwards, Mark said:
“I am glad I was able to raise this matter to the Justice Minister in the House of Commons. I am grateful to two of my constituents for pointing out to me that there is ambiguity in driving laws at the moment. It was good to get the chance to put this to the Minister”.
Mark continued:
“In a case where a driver causes death whilst driving over the drink-drive limit, but where there is no evidence of careless driving, the only charge available to the police carries a maximum of six months’ imprisonment and disqualification from driving”.
Mark concluded:
“Driving laws must reflect the severity of the action and the crime that has been committed. People must know that it is unacceptable to drive whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and a change in the law to include penalising people even when there is no evidence of careless driving is one way this can be achieved”.