Petition calls for lifetime bans for impaired drivers who kill

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 10:20 · Archive

Nearly 50,000 people have signed a petition demanding lifetime driving bans for motorists convicted of causing deaths while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Nearly 50,000 people have signed a petition demanding a permanent driving ban for those convicted of causing deaths while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The petition, entitled 'Permanent driving ban on intoxicated drivers guilty of causing death', remains open until January 6, 2027.

Petition creator Tracy Elizabeth Venison has called for 'decisive action' and legislative amendment to ban those convicted of 'driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and killing innocent people while under influence' from driving permanently. She argues that other countries have set precedents by enforcing stringent penalties and that the current legal framework fails to deter repeat offenders and adequately protect innocent people.

Venison contends that a lifetime ban would ensure public safety, deter repeat offences, and send a message that negligent driving causing death will not be tolerated. For families affected by such tragedies, she suggests the change could offer 'a measure of justice and a chance to prevent others from enduring a similar tragedy'.

Having surpassed the 10,000 signature threshold, the Government has issued an official response. The Department for Transport expressed gratitude to Venison and supporters, stating: 'Every death caused by drink or drug driving is a tragedy, and I recognise the lasting impact on families and communities.' However, the department stated it does not propose to introduce an automatic lifetime driving ban.

How it is being reported

• Government lifetime driving ban update after thousands rallyThe Department for Transport has issued an official responseThe Mirror · 21 Oct, 10:00
• Thousands demand lifetime driving bans - here's what Government has said'Other countries have set precedents by enforcing stringent penalties'Daily Express · 21 Oct, 09:54

In this story: Tracy Elizabeth Venison · Department for Transport · Parliament

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