The time for change is now

All areas: MP’s dangerous driving bill passes first stage

to just 22 months and is now out on licence.

Finally, the House heard how a driver under the influence of drugs hit and killed 13-year-old Max Simmons in December.

James Lavine was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison last week for causing death by careless driving while under the influence of a drug.

Mrs May said the ‘majority’ of her fellow MPs would no doubt have stories to tell of dangerous driving in their own constituencies.

“No sentence can make up for the tragic loss of a loved one,” she said.

“A life cut short, a future obliterated, a family devastated, but the sentence can enable those left behind to feel that justice has been done, and today, in too many cases, they feel that justice has not been done.

“This bill responds to a genuine concern that the severity of the offence is not always reflected in current sentencing.”

She said when she was Prime Minister the Government consulted on driving offences and penalties relating to causing death or serious injury.

Although her government committed to introducing that change in a sentencing bill, she said for ‘various reasons’ the bill was delayed under her premiership and not brought forward before she stepped down.

Mrs May acknowledged the campaigning efforts of Bryony’s father, Mark Hollands, to increase the maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving since his daughter died.

“Families who have lost loved ones have been consistently told that the reform will be introduced when parliamentary time allows,” she said.

“It may be difficult to find parliamentary time for a full sentencing bill, but this bill is short, specific and targeted. The parliamentary time is now.”

The bill proceeded to the next stage without any objection. The second reading of the bill will be on Friday, October 16.