Magistrates call for tougher sentences for re-offending danger drivers

6 February 2009

The Daily Telegraph reports that The Magistrates’ Association has called for tougher sentencing powers to deal with such cases, saying existing laws are too weak for the worst offenders.

Around 75,000 motorists are driving despite being banned, according to the AA. Government figures, covering 2006, showed that 192,000 drivers were disqualified - around half of whom lost their licences for drink-driving.

This report comes as RoadSafe is preparing its response to the current Government consultation on compliance, which although covering such issues as drink-driving, speed, driver re-training and careless driving, does not fully address the issue of re-offending. We strongly believe that magistrates are in the best position to judge the effectiveness of their powers and fully support the Association's position.