When the Secretary of State opened the debate he pointed out that the national road safety figures were improving, which is welcome—but unfortunately, in my constituency they are doing anything but that. Last year there were 20 road fatalities—about four times the national average—and this year, sadly, there have already...

When the Secretary of State opened the debate he pointed out that the national road safety figures were improving, which is welcome—but unfortunately, in my constituency they are doing anything but that. Last year there were 20 road fatalities—about four times the national average—and this year, sadly, there have already...

My point was not exclusive, but the statistics show a notable prevalence of casualties and convictions for dangerous driving among younger people. In my constituency last year, a significant number of such drivers were young. The hon. Gentleman makes a good point, however. All drivers need to think about the...

My point was not exclusive, but the statistics show a notable prevalence of casualties and convictions for dangerous driving among younger people. In my constituency last year, a significant number of such drivers were young. The hon. Gentleman makes a good point, however. All drivers need to think about the...

I thank the Minister for that intervention, and I do not want to make too much of the issue. Some Members have focused today on what happens as a result of an accident, but however appalling such results are for the families concerned, in making law and setting penalties we...

I thank the Minister for that intervention, and I do not want to make too much of the issue. Some Members have focused today on what happens as a result of an accident, but however appalling such results are for the families concerned, in making law and setting penalties we...

I am listening very carefully, and the hon. Gentleman says that the difficulty of assembling evidence was the reason for sentence imposed in that case. If the motor cyclist was charged with causing death by careless driving, given the difficulties with the evidence and proving the speed and so forth,...

I am listening very carefully, and the hon. Gentleman says that the difficulty of assembling evidence was the reason for sentence imposed in that case. If the motor cyclist was charged with causing death by careless driving, given the difficulties with the evidence and proving the speed and so forth,...

I take that point, and it is clear that in such cases the right offence for someone to be charged with is dangerous driving, which addresses the question of intent. The hon. Member for Bolton, South-East (Dr. Iddon) mentioned similar cases in his constituency, and his complaint seemed primarily to...

I take that point, and it is clear that in such cases the right offence for someone to be charged with is dangerous driving, which addresses the question of intent. The hon. Member for Bolton, South-East (Dr. Iddon) mentioned similar cases in his constituency, and his complaint seemed primarily to...

If the law was changed as the hon. Lady hopes and the court had the power to impose tough sentences in cases of careless driving, the expectation would be set that that would happen. If, having considered all the circumstances, the court decided that what happened was a momentary lapse...

If the law was changed as the hon. Lady hopes and the court had the power to impose tough sentences in cases of careless driving, the expectation would be set that that would happen. If, having considered all the circumstances, the court decided that what happened was a momentary lapse...