Written question asked by Peter Bottomley (Conservative) on Tuesday, 10 February 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 March 2004. It was answered by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Monday, 1 March 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will undertake a review of the (a) law on and (b) penalties for (i) failing to stop and (ii) failing to summon assistance after a road crash. - Inc ref to Road Traffic Act 1988. (Holding answer 12 February 2004).

Answer: Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will undertake a review of the (a) law on and (b) penalties for (i) failing to stop and (ii) failing to summon assistance after a road crash. [154916] Caroline Flint: [holding answer 12 February 2004]: I have been asked to reply. Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 imposes a duty on drivers to stop and report accidents in which personal injury or damage to other vehicles is caused. Failing to summon assistance is not an offence. Failure to comply with any of the requirements of section 170 is a Criminal offence with a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment or a fine not exceeding £5,000, or both. We are currently reviewing road traffic offences involving bad driving and intend to issue a consultation paper on this shortly. Failing to stop and report an accident falls outside the scope of the review (although if the accident were itself caused by bad driving this would be covered). Nevertheless we will of course look carefully at any representations made during the consultation.

Secondary information