Il governo promette di introdurre una legislazione per riformare la condanna per i conducenti che causano morte o lesioni gravi l’anno prossimo
I conducenti che causano incidenti mortali durante l’eccesso di velocità, le corse o l’utilizzo di un telefono cellulare dovranno affrontare ergastoli una volta che la nuova legislazione sarà introdotta l’anno prossimo, il governo ha promesso.
Gli automobilisti che uccidono qualcuno mentre sono sotto l’effetto di droghe o alcol potrebbero anche essere condannati all’ergastolo in base alle riforme. Inoltre, la legislazione creerà un nuovo reato di causare lesioni gravi da guida incauta, che mira a fornire giustizia per le vittime che subiscono lesioni che cambiano la vita.
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Assuming the legislation – the timescales for which were announced in a Ministry of Justice White Paper – passes through Parliament when it is tabled in 2021, it will see the maximum penalty for causing death by dangerous driving – as well as causing death by dangerous driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs – rise from 14 years to life.
Last year, 174 people were sentenced in court for causing death by dangerous driving, while a further 19 were convicted of causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.
The reforms follow years of discussion on the matter of sentences for killer drivers. A consultation in 2017 saw 90 per cent of respondents call for a new law for drivers who cause serious injuries, while 70 per cent agreed the maximum penalty for killer drivers should rise to life imprisonment.
Robert Buckland QC, Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor, said: “This Government has been clear that punishments must fit the crime, but too often families tell us this isn’t the case with killer drivers.
“So, today I am announcing that we will bring forward legislation early next year to introduce life sentences for dangerous drivers who kill on our roads, and ensure they feel the full force of the law.
“But this is only one part of our plan to crack down on crime and restore confidence in the justice system, and I will set out further measures this week.”
