The State Government will introduce new road safety laws, which aim to stop dangerous drivers from returning to Western Australian roads while facing serious charges.
The proposed changes to the ‘Road Traffic Act 1974’ will be known as Kelly’s Law, named in memory of Kelly T’Hart, a pedestrian killed by a drunk driver in 2024.
Kelly, 32, was walking in Furnissdale on May 19, 2024 when she was struck by a vehicle. The driver left the scene without rendering assistance. Despite facing serious charges, the offender was allowed to drive again just two months after the crash, including on the street where Kelly’s family lives.
Under the proposed reforms, drivers charged with serious driving offences would be banned from driving before their first court appearance.
The changes would also give courts greater power to extend licence disqualification periods until a case is finalised and sentencing is complete.
Currently, disqualification notices apply only to some alcohol and drug offences. The new laws would extend licence suspensions to all traffic offences that carry a disqualification penalty.
These offences include drink and drug driving, reckless and dangerous driving, high level speeding, and hit and run incidents.
Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby said the reforms are intended to improve community safety.
“Drivers who think they’re above the law and continue to put lives at risk by driving dangerously or under the influence should be banned from our roads,” he said.
“Kelly’s Law will better protect the public and provide a stronger deterrent for people who choose not to follow the road rules.
“The changes will help protect innocent people from the actions of reckless and irresponsible drivers.
“I thank the T’Hart family for their drive and determination in making sure that what happened to them, doesn’t happen to anyone else.”
