Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Police Powers to Suspend Driving Licences

10 January 2022 · 4 other contributors · 7,312 words

Opened by Christina Rees Lab Neath

Responding minister: Trudy Harrison

Crime & Law EnforcementTransport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Christina Rees raised concerns about police powers to suspend driving licences in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Christina Rees expressed deep concern over the death of Tom McConnachie caused by a repeat drink-driving offender who continued driving and destroyed evidence before being sentenced to ten months and a three-year driving ban.
  • Rees requested specific statistics on the number of alleged suspects released on pre-charge bail or RUI since 2017, including details on driving bans imposed as bail conditions.
  • Rees suggested the government consider granting police powers to immediately suspend driving licences of suspects under investigation for similar offences.

Key requests to Government

Rees asked for specific details on how many alleged suspects have been released on pre-charge bail or RUI (released under investigation) since 2017, including statistics on driving bans imposed as a condition of bail. She also requested the Minister to consider introducing police powers to immediately suspend a suspect's driving licence in circumstances similar to Tom's law and suggested a meeting with Christina and Tom's family to discuss further.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Christina Rees Lab Neath

Christina Rees expressed deep concern over the tragic death of Tom McConnachie, who was killed by a drink-driving offender. She detailed how the driver continued to drive for hours after the incident and set fire to his vehicle to destroy evidence. The offender received a sentence of ten months imprisonment and a driving ban of three years and five months but only served half the time. Rees highlighted that Tom's family believe this sentence is insufficient given the severity of the crime. She cited statistics from Tom's inquest, revealing previous drink-driving offences by the driver and expressed distress at the fact that suspects were allowed to continue driving while under investigation.

Other contributors (4)
  • Johnny Mercer Con Stretford and Urmston

    I pay tribute to Christina Rees for her clear questions to the Minister. I want the Government to explain why individuals who commit offences such as drink-driving can just carry on driving after being taken in, sobering up, and getting their keys back. We need clearer sanctions for leaving the scene of an accident. He suggested that for cases like drink and drug-driving, bail conditions can be imposed to prevent driving due to the clear evidence provided by roadside tests. Johnny Mercer asked the Minister to write to him following today's debate and expressed interest in understanding why someone who fails a roadside drink test retains their licence, given modern technology.

  • Luke Pollard Lab Co-op Plymouth Sutton and Devonport

    Mr Pollard expressed concerns about the use of release under investigation (RUI), which delays justice for families affected by drink or drug-driving. He highlighted that Tom's law aims to address the legal gap created by RUI, allowing bail conditions in such cases. He called for a cross-Government approach involving the Department for Transport, Home Office, and Ministry of Justice to meet with Tom's family and discuss potential changes. Mr Pollard also noted the need for adequate resources to prevent further delays in the justice process. Luke Pollard welcomed the Minister's commitment to consider Tom's law and suggested exploring penalty points notices as a means of temporarily penalising drivers before conviction, aligning with efforts to protect public safety.

  • Paul Howell Con Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport

    Does my hon. Friend agree that careless driving can cause massive injuries, not just death caused by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs? I had a constituent who suffered due to a drug-driver but received a pathetically light sentence. He highlighted the importance of the issue in his constituency where over 200 people supported a petition related to this debate.

  • Sam Tarry Lab Clacton

    Samantha Tarry expressed concern over the high number of deaths caused by drink driving and argued for stronger sentencing powers. She noted that only a small percentage of offenders receive sentences exceeding 10 years, indicating room for improvement in current penalties. She also highlighted the underutilisation of police powers to suspend licences pending investigation.

Government Response

Trudy Harrison

The Government take road safety seriously. The Minister recognises concerns about suspending driving licences but notes that changing laws could have unforeseen effects. She explains current powers under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, including bail conditions, and commits to writing to Christina Rees with requested information on data collection. The Department for Transport will conduct a call for evidence on parts of the Road Traffic Act 1988 to explore options and consider interests of victims, suspects, and society.

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