Andy Burnham’s potential driving licence adjustments may land you in jail for 12 months

Andy Burnham’s government is considering driving licence changes under the Road Safety Strategy that could see unlicensed drivers face a 12-month jail term

Andy Burnham is contemplating alterations to driving licences as part of the previous Labour Party government’s Road Safety Strategy proposals, reports claim. The Road Safety Strategy, designed to reduce road fatalities and enhance the safety of the UK’s roads, was initiated by Keir Starmer before Burnham, MP for Makerfield, took over.

The consultation concluded in May, with a pledge to publish responses “within three months” and legislative changes to follow ‘later this year’, indicating that the next phase should be underway by August 15.

As part of the strategy, the government sought public opinion on penalties for driving without a licence. At present, the punishment for driving without a valid licence can lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

Offenders could also receive between 3 to 6 penalty points on their licence, and potentially face disqualification from driving.

However, the government argues: “It is arguable that an individual who drives on the road without ever passing a test, is equally culpable as an individual who continues to drive after being disqualified, so should face similar penalties.”, reports Birmingham Live.

“The penalties for the offence of driving while disqualified include a maximum 12-month custodial sentence.”

The statement continued: “The government is aware of calls to consider increasing the penalties for these offences, to enable the courts to pass a sentence that reflects the seriousness of these offences, and the harm caused if death or serious injury have occurred when committing them.”

The consultation poses the question: “In your view, should the maximum penalties for the offence of unlicensed driving or not in accordance with a licence be increased?”.

“Why did you give this answer? What do you think is an appropriate sentence?” It further asks: “If you have any other evidence to provide or comments to make about the proposed introduction of new penalties for certain motoring offences and other road traffic matters as set out in the consultation, provide them.”

A summary of responses will be published this month, the DfT confirmed, before the government proceeds to ‘amend the legislation later this year’.