The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 have introduced a number of changes to road traffic laws that take effect as from Tuesday, 28th June 2022 in England, Wales and Scotland.
The Act increases the sentence for causing death by dangerous driving; and causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs, from 14 years’ to life imprisonment.
It also increases the minimum period of disqualification for offenders convicted of these offences from 2 to 5 years. For those convicted of a repeat offence of causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs, the minimum period of disqualification is increased from 3 years to 6 years.
There’s a new offence of causing serious injury by careless, or inconsiderate, driving. This offence is committed if a person causes serious injury by driving a car or other mechanically propelled vehicle on a road or other public place without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other road users and the maximum penalty is two years’ imprisonment.
Our members want society to treat road crime as real crime. A serious road traffic collision causing death or life changing injury has real impact on lives and I am hopeful that this change in the law will raise public awareness that an error of judgment can cause such dire consequence.
Nick Simmons, CEO, of RoadPeace
Whilst victims of road crime may welcome these changes it nevertheless remains to be seen how the Courts will use these sentencing powers.
Matthew Claxson, Partner in Moore Barlow’s serious injury team
If you have suffered a serious injury or have been bereaved as a result of a road traffic collision then contact our serious injury team on 0800 157 7611.
Moore Barlow are proud to be a legal panel member for RoadPeace, the national charity supporting those seriously injured or bereaved as a result of road crash.
Road Peace pastoral support helpline is 0845 4500 355.
