Overview

This bill aims to increase the maximum prison sentence for causing death by dangerous driving in England and Wales from 14 years to life imprisonment. It's a straightforward amendment to existing law, designed to reflect the severity of such crimes.

Description

The Death by Dangerous Driving (Sentencing) Bill proposes a single key change: amending the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988. Specifically, it replaces the current 14-year maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving with a life sentence. This alteration applies only to offenses committed after the bill becomes law; it won't affect past convictions. The bill's geographical scope is limited to England and Wales. It is set to come into effect four weeks after it receives Royal Assent.

Government Spending

The bill is unlikely to have a significant direct impact on government spending. The increased sentencing will not automatically increase prison costs because there are many factors that influence this, including, length of sentences, and the number of offenders.

Groups Affected

The bill primarily affects:

• Individuals convicted of causing death by dangerous driving: They will face a potentially much longer prison sentence.
• Families of victims: This may provide a sense of greater justice, although the bill doesn't directly address their needs beyond sentencing guidelines.
• The judicial system: Judges will need to apply the new sentencing framework.
• The prison system: This may potentially increase the prison population if more drivers are sentenced to longer terms.

Powered by nyModel