There are number of proposed changes to UK driving laws which are likely to be introduced in the near futures. These include an increase in the maximum sentences for causing death by dangerous driving from 14 years to life imprisonment.
Also, an exception may be introduced for individuals driving for police purposes and have carried out the necessary training. Further to this, the implementation of a new offences of causing serious injury by careless, or inconsiderate, driving, with a maximum prison sentence of 12 months where prosecuted summarily and two years where prosecuted on indictment.
The standard definition of dangerous driving and careless, or inconsideration driving will not be changed. However, the new offence of causing serious injury by careless, or inconsideration driving will differ across the UK. In Scotland serious injury is defined as “severe physical injury”. However, in England & Wales it is to be defined as “grievous bodily harm for the purposes of the Offences against the Person Act 1861.”
In respect of driving “for police purposes” if the individual has carried out necessary training then the proposed test is if “the way the person drives falls far below what would be expected of a competent and careful constable who has undertaken the same prescribed training” and “it would be obvious to such a competent and careful constable that driving in that way would be dangerous”.
The changes are being introduced by the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. It is possible that the bill will be brought into force in 2022.