Longer sentences for disqualified drivers

9th June 2014

Disqualified drivers who kill and injure will now face tougher sentences, with a maximum of ten years for those who kill and four for those who seriously injure, Justice Secretary Chris Grayling has announced.

The current maximum sentence is two years for a death, and there is no specific offence for causing a serious injury while disqualified.

The Justice Secretary also announced his intention to conduct a review of driving offences and penalties.

“The paltry sentences handed out for deaths and injuries caused by disqualified drivers, who have no right to be on the road in the first place, are one of the worst injustices in the current system,” said Julie Townsend of road safety charity Brake.  “Getting behind the wheel when you have been banned from driving is a deliberate and illegal choice, and too often leads to devastating tragedies – the penalties must reflect this.”