Tougher Punishments for Dangerous drivers

Justice Secretary Jack Straw for the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) announced today that dangerous drivers will  face up to five years in prison.

The maximum prison sentence for dangerous driving will rise from two to five years, allowing courts to impose tougher punishments on dangerous drivers who devastate the lives of others.

This change will require the introduction of new legislation and forms part of the government's campaign to keep people safe on our roads and strengthen the law against reckless driving.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw said:

'Dangerous driving can destroy lives and have a devastating impact on the families and friends of its victims.

'We have listened with great care to the innocent victims of dangerous drivers, their families and road safety groups and their experiences have directly informed these changes.

'As this is such an important and personal issue to those campaigning for this change to the law, I thought it appropriate to let them know as soon as possible that we are determined to make this important change.

Posted 23.12.09