Road safety charity Brake has congratulated the Government for issuing tougher sentences to disqualified drivers as part of the new Criminal Justice and Courts Act, which came into force on the 13th April. The new rules have meant that anyone convicted of causing death by driving whilst disqualified will now face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.æ Under the previous regulations, the maximum sentence was only two years. Drivers convicted of the new offence (causing serious injury by driving while disqualified) will face up to four years in prison. There is a wider review of driving offences and charges currently being carried out by the Ministry of Justice. Ed Morrow, campaigns officer, Brake, said: 'This is an important day for everybody involved in campaigning for better justice for victims of criminal driving. 'Getting behind the wheel when a court has already found you to be a danger on the road, and has disqualified you from doing so, is one of the most selfish decisions you can make as a driver. 'It is entirely right that maximum sentences are being increased, and we hope that judges will make use of them where appropriate. 'This is a good first step to securing better justice for victims and families, many of whom have been left feeling betrayed by inappropriate charges and paltry sentences.î Brake has highlighted a number of other urgent issues regarding dangerous driving, and will be targeting the next government in order to ensure the current review meets a satisfactory conclusion.
