Following yesterday’s verdict at the Old Bailey which saw a driver cleared of killing a cyclist by careless driving, British Cycling’s policy adviser Chris Boardman has spoken out:
“We are disappointed and dismayed by the outcome of a case that further highlights that a review is needed of how the justice system responds to collisions on the road.
“Everyone should be concerned about this matter - no matter how you travel - because bad driving can affect us all. The standards of what constitutes careless and dangerous driving need to be looked at very carefully to make sure cases of bad driving can be dealt with effectively.”
“In any other activity we would not sit back and accept that certain actions or mistakes will inevitably cause the death of others. The police and CPS need to look carefully at this case to consider how the process of investigation and prosecution can be improved.”
This case was brought to court as a private prosecution by Cycling UK’s Cyclists’ Defence Fund (CDF), after the Metropolitan Police refused to refer the case to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for advice on whether to charge Gail Purcell with any offence, contrary to CPS guidance in fatal collision cases.
