This petition was submitted during the 2019-2024 parliament
Rejected petition Introduce a charge of vehicular manslaughter for causing death with a vehicle.
Currently killing someone with a vehicle is charged under the road traffic act and carries a maximum sentence of fourteen years. If a charge of vehicular manslaughter was introduced then a potential sentence of life in prison could be imposed.
More details
The taking of a human life by reckless actions should not be devalued if it is carried out with a vehicle instead of a traditionally recognised weapon.
Currently such an offence is charged under the road traffic act, legislation that dates back to the time of horse and carts which is not designed for the prosecution of manslaughter.
This petition was rejected
Why was this petition rejected?
It’s not clear what the petition is asking the UK Government or Parliament to do.
We understand that you want motorists who cause death to face higher sentences, but it's not clear how you want the Government to achieve this.
The offence of manslaughter can already be brought against motorists who have caused death through the use of a motor vehicle, but deciding whether to bring this charge, as opposed to a driving offence, would be a matter for the Crown Prosecution Service, not the Government or House of Commons.
If you want motorists who cause death to face greater sentences, you might like to sign the following petitions:
Kristian Johnson’s Law. Life sentences for Death by Careless & Dangerous Driving: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/330756
Tougher sentences for hit and run drivers who cause death: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/323926
We only reject petitions that don’t meet the petition standards.