South West Norfolk MP, Christopher Fraser has again called on the Government to reform the penalties for leaving the scene of a road crash. In a Commons debate on sentencing for fatal hit-and-run accidents, Christopher Fraser reiterated his concern that current legislative guidelines may encourage drivers, particularly those under the influence of drink or drugs, to flee the scene.
David Burrowes MP, Shadow Minister for Justice who was winding up for the Conservatives, paid tribute to Christopher Fraser’s campaign to address the issue of disparity in sentencing. He also called on the Government to address other situations where drivers may attempt to evade justice.
Speaking afterwards, Christopher Fraser added:
“I am not giving up on this. Hit-and-run drivers must be brought to book. On the last occasion I raised the point in the Chamber, the Transport Minister was sympathetic, and pledged to raise the matter with the Ministry of Justice. I am dismayed that I have heard nothing more from him, and that the Justice Minister representing the Government in today’s debate appeared to be ignorant of the point..
“She did agree that people may try to evade responsibility in road crashes, though she did not appear to appreciate what I feel is a very significant imbalance in the law. I will now write to Ministers at both the Department for Transport and the Ministry of Justice, calling on them to reflect on the situation and give serious consideration to a rebalancing of penalties.”
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