The petition of residents of the constituency of Stoke-on-Trent North,
Declares that following the tragic death of a six-year-old Sharlotte-Sky Naglis in June 2021, delays were caused to the sentencing of her killer due to the legal requirement of consent for a blood sample to be tested; notes that this was extremely difficult for the family of the victim.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to reform Section 7A (4) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and remove the requirement for consent for the testing of a suspect’s blood in the event of death by collision with a motor vehicle.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Jonathan Gullis, Official Report, 20 March 2024; Vol. 747, c. 1011.]
[P002922]
Observations from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Guy Opperman):
In my position as Roads Minister, I will continue to strive to support victims and their families and improve road safety for all users.
I want to extend my condolences to Sharlotte-Sky’s family over her tragic death.
The Government are giving consideration to a call for evidence on motoring offences. While details are still being worked up as to its scope, it is expected that it will include drink and drug driving offences. This will enable the public to share their views on how to make enforcement more effective and therefore our roads safer. Subject to the call for evidence, we will then aim to legislate as appropriate when parliamentary time allows.