After losing their son, Harry, to an unlicensed driver, his parents advocate for tougher laws to prevent similar tragedies.
Harry’s mum, Kelly, recalls the heartbreaking moment she saw him in the hospital. She pushed past the doctors, hoping for a miracle. But sadly, they received the devastating news that nothing could be done.
The driver who hit Harry had no license or insurance and fled the scene. Two years later, the Crown Prosecution Service informed Harry’s parents that they were dropping the charges due to insufficient evidence.
Adam felt angry and frustrated. He believes the law is too lenient on unlicensed drivers. Research shows that unlicensed drivers are involved in nearly 10% of motoring offenses, with estimates suggesting there could be around 470,000 on the roads.
In 2006, a new law was introduced to penalize those who cause death while driving without a license. However, a 2013 Supreme Court ruling made it difficult to enforce, as prosecutors still had to prove the driver was at fault.
Local MP Will Stone is advocating for a change in the law. He has introduced a Ten Minute Rule Bill to address this issue. He wants to ensure that if an unlicensed driver causes a death, it is automatically considered careless driving.
The Department of Transport expressed condolences to Harry’s family and emphasized their commitment to road safety. Adam now stands outside Harry’s school every morning, helping children cross safely. He and Kelly are determined to raise awareness and prevent other families from experiencing their pain.
