Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when the Government plans to implement its proposals for longer sentences for drivers who cause death by (a) speeding, (b) racing and (c) using a mobile phone.

The government is committed to making sure that the courts have sufficient powers to deal with driving offences appropriately and proportionately.

In the response to the consultation on driving offences and penalties relating to causing death or serious injury, published in 2017, the government proposed to increase the maximum penalties for causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs from 14 years’ imprisonment to life.

We will bring forward proposals for changes in the law as soon as parliamentary time allows. These proposals will take account of, and incorporate, all of government’s proposals for safer roads, including any arising from the Department of Transport’s review of cycle safety.