South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership

Offenders convicted of causing death by dangerous driving or causing death by careless driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs face life imprisonment when new guidelines come into force later this week.

The Sentencing Council, which is part of the Ministry of Justice, has published six revised guidelines for motoring offences as well as introducing six new guidelines to recognise the harm caused by serious injury collisions.

All 12 will come into force on Saturday (1 July) to give courts increased powers – including the maximum sentences - to deal with those who cause death and harm on our roads.

A spokeswoman for South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership (SYSRP) said: “These changes for causing death by dangerous and careless driving mean that courts can sentence offenders to life rather than the previous maximum of 14 years in prison.

“No-one can take away the pain, grief and suffering cause by road traffic collisions which is why we continue to work together to educate people about the risks and consequences of dangerous road user behaviour.”

The six new guidelines include causing serious injury by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by driving while disqualified.

A new guideline for sentencing offenders convicted of causing injury by wanton or furious driving where a motorist causes injury or death off-road such as in a field or dirt track, or where a cyclist causes death or injury at any location, has also been published.

For a full list of updates see below:

Revised guidelines:

New guidelines: