PENALTIES FOR DRIVING ILLEGALLY

Early day motion 1495, tabled 12 July 2004 by Tim Loughton (Conservative). Signed by 89 members.

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 ú500 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 road 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 calls on it 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 the road.

Signatures by party: Labour 47, Conservative 14, Liberal Democrat 13, Labour/Co-operative 6, DUP 3, Plaid Cymru 3, Independent Conservative 1, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.