'No seeing out driving ban in jail'

Back

The Government has announced plans to extend driving bans so that they do not include time spent in jail for the same offence.

An amendment to the Coroners and Justice Bill now before Parliament intends to ensure that prisoners cannot "see out" bans while serving their jail sentences.

The amendment will allow courts to extend driving bans by the equivalent of half the time spent in jail.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman has said that the rationale for the new move is based on the belief that people who commit road-traffic offences must face the full penalties.

Thus when offenders are jailed as well as being disqualified, it is essential that the full effect of the punishments must be felt in order to maintain public confidence in the criminal justice system.

A ministry spokesman said: "We want to ensure that the full impact of any driving ban should be felt after the prison term has been completed."

Get a car insurance or home insurance quote now.