Drug Drivers To Face Stiffer Penalties: Tragic Teen's Family Backs New Legislation

Drug Drivers To Face Stiffer Penalties: Tragic Teen's Family Backs New Legislation

PA

David Cameron's proposed clampdown on drug-driving has the support of the family of a teenager who was killed by a motorist high on cannabis.

Gary and Natasha Groves lost their 14-year-old daughter Lillian when she was hit by a drugged driver outside her home in New Addington, South London in 2010. They have called for a 'zero tolerance' of drug-drivers.

Lillian's heartbroken dad Gary said: "It's too late for us, but to protect other families, to stop this happening again, it's very important. We can only hope that Lillian's legacy makes a real difference."

The couple have campaigned tirelessly for a change in the law since Lillian was killed by John Page. Page served just EIGHT weeks in jail for his crime.

New legislation on driving under the influence of drugs will be revealed in the Queen's Speech tomorrow.

Bereft mum Natasha told The Sun: "You'll still get the idiots who think they can get away with it, but hopefully they'll get a fitting sentence that matches the crime."

The new laws will make it an automatic offence to have levels of certain drugs in the bloodstream, with offenders facing a maximum of six months' jail, a fine of up to £5,000, and an automatic driving ban of at least 12 months.

Police will be issued with hand-held devices which will test drivers' saliva to enable them to do roadside tests.

David Cameron has said it 'simply can't be right' that laws are not currently in place to adequately punish drug-drivers.

What do you think? Do the new proposals go far enough, or should there be a lifetime driving ban slapped on anyone caught driving under the influence or drink or drugs?

Close