Sussex mum vows to fight on after government rejects lifetime driving ban call
Tracy Venison says she feels let down by the government's response to her campaign, launched after her 19-year-old son Aidan was killed by a drink-driver.
A Sussex mother whose teenage son was killed by a drink-driver has vowed to continue fighting for tougher laws after the government rejected calls for automatic lifetime driving bans for motorists who kill while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Tracy Venison launched a petition following the death of her son Aidan, who was killed in a crash near Wisborough Green in June 2024, just two days before his 20th birthday.
Her campaign calls for anyone convicted of causing a death while driving under the influence of drink or drugs to be permanently disqualified from driving.
But in a formal response published on 14 October, the Department for Transport said it did not propose introducing mandatory lifetime bans, arguing that courts already have the power to impose them when appropriate.
Speaking to us following the response, Tracy said she felt ministers had failed to take responsibility for the issue.
"Let down," she said, describing her reaction.
"It doesn't feel like they've taken hold of any responsibility for it.
"You know, it's all well and good saying that the courts can make this decision, but the courts are outlined by what government say."
Tracy believes the current system does not adequately reflect the lifelong impact of fatal collisions on bereaved families.
Despite the government's position, she says she has no intention of abandoning her campaign.
"I think the next step really is just to keep fighting, just to see if we can get the 100,000 signatures," she said.
"I'm going to continue to fight for safer roads."
Aidan's death and the sentence that sparked the campaign
Aidan Venison was riding his motorcycle home after an evening with friends when he was killed in a head-on collision on the B2133 at Newpound, near Wisborough Green, on 30 June 2024.
According to Sussex Police, Toby Spiring was driving a Mazda CX-5 when he overtook another vehicle and collided with Aidan, who was travelling in the opposite direction.
Spiring was found to have been twice the legal drink-driving limit.
He subsequently pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court in October 2025 to eight years in prison.
He was also disqualified from driving for five years, with the ban taking effect following his release from custody. He must pass an extended driving test before being permitted to drive again.
It is the prospect of Spiring eventually being able to return to the roads that Tracy believes is unacceptable.
"I was shocked," she told us.
"I really, really thought that something like a total driving ban was already in place."
She said other people who had responded to her petition had expressed similar surprise that a permanent ban was not automatic.
For Tracy, the difference between the consequences faced by the offender and those experienced by Aidan's family is central to her campaign.
"We can't get on with the rest of our lives the way that we planned to, the way that we wanted to, because we've lost Aidan," she said.
"So there should be severe consequences for people taking people's lives."
What has the government said?
Tracy's petition passed the 10,000-signature threshold required to receive a government response.
In its statement, the Department for Transport acknowledged the devastating consequences of deaths caused by drink- and drug-driving but said it would not introduce an automatic lifetime disqualification for everyone convicted of such offences.
The government said sentencing decisions should remain with independent courts, which can consider the circumstances of individual cases.
It also pointed out that judges already have the power to impose lifetime driving bans where they consider them justified.
Current sentencing guidance indicates that permanent disqualification will generally be inappropriate, although it may be considered where evidence suggests an offender would pose an indefinite danger to the public.
In England and Wales, causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The offences normally carry a minimum five-year driving disqualification, although courts can impose longer bans and may depart from the minimum where special reasons are established.
An extended driving test is also required before an offender can regain their entitlement to drive.
The government added that it was considering responses to a consultation on motoring penalties, which closed in May 2026, before deciding on further changes.
Tracy, however, argues that the possibility of a permanent ban should not be left to individual sentencing decisions when someone has lost their life.
"How many chances do we give these people before we actually take their license away?" she asked.
Campaign continues towards 100,000 signatures
Tracy's petition had attracted around 37,000 signatures when she spoke to us, and she is urging more people to support it before the deadline.
The petition remains open until 6 January 2027.
If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for a debate in Parliament, although reaching that threshold does not guarantee a debate or a change in the law.
Tracy hopes further public support will encourage MPs and ministers to reconsider the issue.
She is also looking for help promoting the campaign, explaining that running her business alongside her campaigning work has become increasingly demanding.
"I'm currently looking for someone to help campaign with me because the business and everything is so busy," she said.
She added that anyone with experience of social media or promoting campaigns would be welcome to offer support.
While she acknowledges the government has already set out its position, Tracy remains determined to press for a change she believes could help prevent other families experiencing the loss of a loved one.
"Any support would be fantastic from any angle," she said.
"But I'm going to continue to fight for safer roads."
The petition, titled Permanent driving ban on intoxicated drivers guilty of causing death, can be signed on the UK Parliament website.