Sentencing review in 2014 for dangerous driving offences
The Department for Transport will launch a review next year into the sentencing of drivers convicted of dangerous or careless driving on British roads.
The review was announce as part of the DfT's response to the 'Get Britain Cycling' report published by the All-Party Parliamentary Cycling Group in April, which outlined numerous recommendations to make cycling safer in Britain and to encourage more people to use their bikes.
"We need everybody to feel properly protected by the criminal justice system when travelling on the road," said British Cycling's policy and legal affairs director Martin Gibbs, who was instrumental in pushing for a review in sentencing.
"The lenient sentence handed out to the driver responsible for the death of our colleague Rob Jefferies was a glaring example of the failure of the system."
Jefferies was killed whilst cycling in Dorset by a 17-year-old driver in May 2011. Lee Cahill admitted causing death by careless driving and was given a 12-month community order and an 18-month driving ban. It was one of many similar cases in recent years.
"We've been asking the government for months for a review of sentencing guidelines so I'm glad to see that confirmed, though it should form part of a comprehensive review of the criminal justice process, which all too often fails people on bikes by not prosecuting or by returning sentences which don't reflect the seriousness of the crime," said Gibbs.
"We have been meeting with Ministry of Justice and the Department for Transport to push for improvements but progress has been slow. This announcement means that positive steps are being taken and is a victory for British Cycling and its members."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
British Cycling's call in May last year for a review in sentencing was supported by Cycling Weekly and its readers.
Related links
May 2012: Cycling Weekly and British Cycling urge road law review
Comment: Killer drivers should be sentenced appropriately
No appeal in Jefferies killer driver case
British Cycling calls for sentencing review after Jefferies case
Driver who killed Jefferies given community order
Comment: No justice for Jefferies
Driver in Rob Jefferies fatal collision admits death by careless driving
Rob Jefferies killed in car collision
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
A steel fixed-gear machine is the only bike you’ll ever need – here’s why
In a world of readily available carbon-frame bikes with 12-speed cassettes and compact cranks that allow you to spin up your local monster hill at your preferred cadence, why would you opt to ride a steel fixed -gear bike? Allow me to convince you...
By Pete van der Woude Published
-
Meet the long-haul trucker who’s clocked 600+ hours on his bike this year
From Zwifting in his cab to conquering the open road, this bike racer-turned-long-haul trucker makes the most of his life on the road
By Caroline Dezendorf Published