Overview

This bill amends the Road Traffic Act 1988 to extend the definition of where dangerous and careless driving offences can occur. Currently, these offences are only applicable on roads and other public places; this bill seeks to include private places adjacent to roads.

Description

The Driving Offences (Amendment) Bill modifies the Road Traffic Act 1988 to encompass private places adjacent to roads within the scope of several driving offences. Specifically, the changes apply to:

• Causing death by dangerous driving
• Causing serious injury by dangerous driving
• Dangerous driving
• Causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving
• Careless and inconsiderate driving

The amendment inserts ", or a private place adjacent to a road," after "a road or other public place" in the relevant sections of the Act. The bill applies only to England and Wales and will come into force four weeks after it is passed.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. The impact on government spending is likely to be indirect, potentially including increased costs associated with enforcement and prosecution of offences on private land adjacent to roads.

Groups Affected

This bill will affect:

• Drivers: Drivers will be liable for prosecution under the amended Act for dangerous and careless driving incidents occurring on private land adjacent to roads.
• Landowners: Landowners adjacent to roads may have increased responsibilities regarding the safety of their property in relation to traffic.
• Law Enforcement: Police and other law enforcement agencies will have an expanded remit for investigating and prosecuting driving offences.
• The Courts: Courts will see an increased number of cases relating to these offences.

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