Overview

This bill proposes to amend the Road Traffic Act 1988 in England and Wales. The key change is extending the definition of where dangerous and careless driving offences can occur, to include private places adjacent to roads.

Description

The Driving Offences (Amendment) Bill aims to modify existing legislation concerning dangerous and careless driving. Currently, these offences are defined as occurring on roads or other public places. This bill seeks to broaden this definition.

Specific Amendments:

• The bill amends sections 1, 1A, 2, 2B, and 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
• The amendment adds the phrase ", or a private place adjacent to a road" to the definition of where these offences can take place.
• This means dangerous driving (including causing death or serious injury), and careless or inconsiderate driving, could now be prosecuted if committed on private land immediately bordering a road.

The bill will come into force four weeks after it is passed and applies only to England and Wales.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify any changes to government spending. The impact would likely be indirect, potentially increasing costs associated with law enforcement and prosecution of offences if there is a rise in reported incidents.

Groups Affected

Groups potentially affected include:

• Drivers: Drivers will be subject to potential prosecution for dangerous or careless driving in a wider range of locations.
• Landowners: Landowners adjacent to roads may see increased liability if incidents occur on their property.
• Law enforcement: Police and other enforcement agencies will have an expanded remit for investigating and prosecuting driving offences.
• The Courts: The courts will see an increased workload if the bill leads to more prosecutions.

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