Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Vehicle Ownership: Fatal Accidents and Rural Crime

26 January 2022 · 2 other contributors · 3,269 words

Opened by Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay

Responding minister: Trudy Harrison

Crime & Law EnforcementTransportEnvironment

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Richard Holden raised concerns about vehicle ownership: fatal accidents and rural crime in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Richard Holden is concerned about the death of his constituent Andrew Rowlands due to a car crash involving an unlicensed driver and a vehicle without a valid MOT.
  • Holden requests a meeting with the Minister to discuss changing the law to require a driving licence when purchasing a car to prevent unlicensed drivers from buying vehicles.
  • The Minister expressed sincere condolences and highlighted ongoing legislative changes to increase penalties for dangerous driving causing death or injury.

Key requests to Government

Holden requests a meeting with the Minister to discuss changing the law so that individuals must provide a driving licence when purchasing a car, making it mandatory for this information to be included on the V5 form. He believes this would prevent unlicensed drivers from buying cars and address issues of rural crime.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay

Richard Holden is concerned about the death of his constituent Andrew Rowlands, who was killed in a car crash. The vehicle involved had no valid MOT and was driven by an unlicensed driver. He also highlights broader issues such as county lines drug trafficking and rural crime, where vehicles are used to commit crimes and cause damage on farmland. This includes trespassing, destruction of crops, worrying livestock, and drug deals being conducted in rural areas.

Other contributors (2)
  • Ben Lake PC Ceredigion Preseli

    Lake suggested that while it might be difficult to authenticate a driver's licence at the point of sale, presenting one when the vehicle goes for an MOT could ensure the responsible use of vehicles.

  • Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest

    He applauded the debate on rural crime and highlighted that it encompasses various issues such as vehicle crime, property damage, fly-tipping, poaching, farm machinery theft, and animal theft. He emphasised the significant mental health impact these crimes have on people in rural communities.

Government Response

Trudy Harrison

The Minister expressed sincere condolences for road fatalities and acknowledged the challenges of rural driving. She explained that while a valid driving licence is necessary to operate vehicles legally, it is not required to purchase them. The minister highlighted continuous insurance enforcement measures and discussed upcoming legislative changes under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill to increase penalties for dangerous driving causing death or injury. She committed to addressing concerns regarding private land usage through engagement with relevant departments and welcomed further evidence on potential call for evidence issues.

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