MP backs tougher punishment for dangerous drivers

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REDDITCH MP Karen Lumley has backed a new campaign calling for tougher penalties for dangerous drivers who kill.

Mrs Lumley said families often felt the justice system had let them down when a driver was given a lenient sentence for killing a loved one because of their actions behind the wheel.

A new campaign called www.StopDangerousDrivers.com has been launched to pressure the Sentencing Council to review the guidelines which prevent Judges from handing out tough penalties to killer drivers.

It also urges the Government to abolish the lesser offence of causing death by careless driving so anyone whose bad driving results in death is prosecuted for causing death by dangerous driving.

Last year, over 600 people were killed by dangerous drivers but over 150 did not go to prison at all and only 37 received more than five years behind bars.

Mrs Lumley said: "Victims families often feel let down by the justice system when a dangerous driver who kills a loved one receives a lenient sentence.

"The maximum sentence of 14 years has never been used and only one in ten of those convicted went to prison for more than five years.

"That’s why I’m backing this campaign to give drivers who kill the tough sentences they deserve."

Residents can show their support for the campaign, which has been launched by Conservative MP Steve Barclay and is backed by leading Road Safety charity Brake, by visiting www.StopDangerousDrivers.com and signing the petition.

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