Stop the Speeders: Eddie Hughes MP calls for action against killer drivers
An MP calling for longer sentences for killer drivers has formally applied to raise the issue in the House of Commons.
Walsall North MP Eddie Hughes yesterday submitted an application to Parliament for a 30 minute adjournment to discuss the sentencing of people convicted for causing death by dangerous driving.
It is on the back of a campaign launched by the Express & Star calling for tougher action against killer drivers, which Mr Hughes, voted in last year, has publicly supported.
The campaign, which has a petition with almost 2,000 signatures, was set up after two people were jailed for eight years each for killing victims on the road in the Black Country.
Since the story, outrage was voiced by people including Darlaston Councillor Doug James and the families of people who have lost their lives due to dangerous drivers.
Speaking last night, Mr Hughes said the issue would be raised during an adjournment and be put to a minister representing the Department for Justice, which is responsible for the courts.
It comes as legalisation has been proposed by the ministry to increase the maximum sentence for dangerous drivers who have killed from 14 years to life in prison.
Mr Hughes said: "We need to highlight the issue to the justice department to say give this some thought and come back to us with what you think can be done.
"It would be useful to get some clarity as what stance the minister would take on the subject.
"Then we will know what to do next, whether that be raising a petition on the issue to Parliament and gathering support."
A petition asking for a change in law or Government policy requires 10,000 backers to get a response from the Government, and 100,000 to warrant a debate in Parliament.
Mr Hughes added: "By bringing it to Parliament also I hope to further raise the profile of the issue, not just in the Black Country but across the country.
"Not everyone will have seen the Express & Star's campaign, so putting it forward in Parliament with widen its scope for support."
It was two weeks ago Craig Edwards and Kade Scrivens were jailed for less than eight years each for killing behind the wheel.
Edwards, 29, of Cumbarland Road in Walsall, was speeding when he killed grandfather John Hickinbottom in Walsall last June. He was over the drink drive limit.
On the same day of the sentencing, Scrivens, 24, of Booth Street, Handsworth, was jailed for killing 59-year-old Nicholas Harrison.
Scrivens lost control at a roundabout in Darlaston while speeding and hit Mr Harrison on November 22, before fleeing the scene.
More on the Express & Star campaign
Mr Hughes said: "My point is, would you be operating a chainsaw when talking on the phone at the same time?
"I lose count the amount of people you see driving while on the phone, not concentrating on the road ahead of them.
"A car, two to three ton object going at 30 to 40mph, can kill if the driver loses control. People must be made aware of this, and the implications."
Last week, West Midlands Police Chief Constable Dave Thompson welcomed the debate.
