MPs to debate petitions relating to road traffic offences for fatal collisions

On Monday 15 November, MPs will debate e-petitions relating to road traffic offences for fatal collisions. Christina Rees, a member of the Petitions Committee, has been asked by the Committee to open the debate, which takes place during Road Safety Week (15-21 November). Andrew Stephenson, Minister of State at the Department for Transport, will respond on behalf of the Government.

The petition, which has more than 104,000 signatures, states: “The maximum penalty for failure to stop after an incident is points and a 6-month custodial sentence. Causing death by careless/dangerous driving is between 5-14 yrs. The sentence for failing to stop after a fatal collision must be increased.”

In its response to the petition, provided on 28 August 2020, the Government said: “It is wholly irresponsible for drivers to fail to stop and report an incident. However, the offence of failing to stop should not be used to punish an offender for a serious, but not proven, offence.”

The petition, which has more than 167,000 signatures, states: “The offence of causing ‘death by dangerous driving’ should be widened to include: failure to stop, call 999 and render aid on scene until further help arrives.”

In its response to the petition, provided on 24 March 2021, the Government said: “It is unacceptable for drivers to fail to stop and report an incident. However, the offence should not be used to punish an offender for a serious, but unproven, offence.”

The debate will last up to 90 minutes, and will provide opportunities for MPs to question the Government directly on this issue. The debate will take place in Westminster Hall from 16:30, and will be available to view on Parliament TV and on YouTube.