Government to look at law following death of Harry Parker

Changes to the law proposed by Will Stone, Swindon North MP following the death of 14-year-old Harry Parker, and backed by Harry’s parents, are being considered by the government.

Mr Stone has had no success in either getting a private member’s bill adopted or getting an amendment into a current government bill, which would stiffen the penalties for driving without a licence or insurance and also for failing to stop after a collision or accident.

They followed the tragic death of Harry Parker, killed after being hit by a car as he crossed Akers Way at a zebra crossing near his school Nova Hreod Academy in 2022, and the dropping of all charges against the driver of the car after two years.

Mr Stone has written to the Department for Transport and been told by roads minister Lilian Greenwood: “Dangerous and law-breaking driving is completely unacceptable. Motoring offences and their penalties are an important element to discourage dangerous behaviour.

“Any changes to the penalties should be approached  carefully to ensure they deliver the right balance between discouraging this behaviour and appropriately punish those who break the law.

“I want to assure you  that my department is considering these offences as part of the Road Safety Strategy and we will keep you updated.”