Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, for measures to address road users who continue to drive after having been banned from driving.

Driving whilst disqualified is already a criminal offence, carrying a maximum penalty of an unlimited fine and/or 6 months’ imprisonment. This is in addition to any penalties for other offences committed during the same incident, such as driving without insurance, careless or dangerous driving, or drink or drug driving.

Enforcement of this offence is an operational matter for the police. Sentencing in individual cases, including the appropriate length of any sentence or further disqualification, is a matter for the independent courts. The courts may take account of relevant aggravating factors, including previous convictions and repeated non-compliance with court orders.

The Department keeps under review the penalties for the road traffic offences for which it is responsible to ensure that they remain appropriate and effective. As part of the recent motoring offences consultation, the Department sought views on whether, in cases where death or serious injury has occurred, the statutory time limit for driving unlicensed, uninsured or disqualified should be extended from 6 months to 18 months. Responses are now being analysed.