Following on from the tragic death of Sharlotte-Sky Naglis, when she was killed in a horrific drink driving incident by John Owen in 2021, Jonathan Gullis MP and Sharlotte’s inspiring mother, Claire Reynolds, launched a campaign to introduce Sharlotte’s Law.
They intend to change Section 7A of the Road Traffic Act which would ensure that no family goes through the needless suffering that Sharlotte’s did as a result as some complexities in the law and the testing of blood samples.
The investigation into Sharlotte’s death was delayed as Mr Owen was in a coma when the investigation began. Legally, under Section 7A of the Road Traffic Act, blood samples can be taken without a suspect’s consent, yet not subject to a test until consent is given. Therefore, in situations like this one, the investigation is delayed until consent is received.
Jonathan and Claire argue that consent is a simple formality. Effectively, anything other than providing permission would constitute an offence. However, because Mr Owen was in a coma and was not able to give consent, the investigation into Sharlotte’s death was protracted considerably and caused knock on delays moving forward.
A petition launched in June this year has gained over 5500 signatures and has got the backing of the Campaign Against Drinking Driving, Scard, BRAKE and was unanimously endorsed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council last month.
Jonathan and Claire hope that their meeting with Minister Holden will help make Sharlotte’s Law a reality and ensure no family goes through the same suffering that her family did. During the meeting, the Minister confirmed that a Call for Evidence with victims of road traffic incidents, like Claire, will take place somewhen between late 2023 and late 2024 to help make the law more clear for victims of road traffic incidents, drive change and put victims first.
Jonathan Gullis MP said: “Jonathan Gullis MP said: “Sharlotte’s Law puts the victims first and I was pleased to meet with the Minister for Roads to discuss the harrowing case of Sharlotte-Sky Naglis. He confirmed a Call for Evidence to look at all motor related incidents will take place, where victims of road traffic incidents can feed into to ensure no family goes through the same horrific incidents, like Sharlotte’s family did, and make the law more clear which puts the victims first.”
Claire Reynolds said: “It was encouraging to speak to someone who is also passionate regarding the current laws with driving offences. There are so many loop holes regarding drink driving and if i can just close one to stop other families going through the unknown then i have done Sharlotte proud.”
Minister for Roads, Richard Holden said: “It was humbling to meet with Claire and hear about the inspirational work she has been doing since her daughter’s tragic death.
“It is vital we do all we can to support families during such unimaginably difficult times and, in my position as Roads Minister, I will continue to strive to support victims and their families and improve road safety for all users.”