Speaking during a Parliamentary debate on sentences for those causing death by dangerous driving, Imran slammed Ministers for breaking promises to increase the maximum sentence to a life sentence.

In May 2014, the Ministry of Justice announced a full review of all driving offences and penalties, which they stated was “to ensure people who endanger lives and public safety are properly punished”. However, it was not until December 2016 that a consultation document that sought views on whether the maximum penalty for causing death by dangerous driving was sufficient or whether it should be increased to life imprisonment was published, and not until October 2017 that the Government responded.

Almost two years on from the outcome of their consultation and four years on from their announcement of a review, the Government have still not acted on their promise and has refused to make time in Parliament available to introduce a law increasing the maximum sentence, leading Imran in the debate to label their words and promises to the friends and family of victims as “ringing hollow”.

In 2018, 730 people were sentenced for driving offences which caused death or serious injury in England and Wales, whilst the number sentenced for offences specifically of ‘causing death by dangerous driving’ was 157. Of these 157 sentenced for causing death by dangerous driving, 94% received an immediate custodial sentence, but the average custodial sentence length in 2018 was just 5 years and 4 months.

Imran also criticised the huge cuts made by the Government to the police and the impact that it has had on dangerous driving and the ability of the police to deter such behaviour, stating that despite increased levels of roads policing reducing traffic violations and road casualties, the Government cut £2.7 billion in real terms nationally and £113 million in West Yorkshire between 2010 and 2018.

Speaking on raising the maximum sentence for those who found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving, Imran said:

“Those who drive dangerously do so with no thought for the consequences of their actions, and they care little for the lifetime of grief and misery that they can end up causing for the friends and families of those who they kill with their reckless actions, yet the sentence that this tragic offence attracts is in reality far from what the public expect. Such an offence should be treated with the severity that matches its consequences.

“However, despite promising to increase the maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving to a life sentence, for four years the Government have postponed, delayed and put off introducing new laws that would give effect to these promises, and they have let down victims and campaigners who have fought so hard for these changes.

“Those killed by dangerous drivers or careless drivers under the influence of drink or drugs deserve justice and the friends and family of victims deserve to see those whose reckless and dangerous behaviour has left huge holes in their lives punished for their crimes, and the Government needs to bring forward legislation to increase the maximum sentence for death by dangerous driving as a matter of urgency.”