The law is failing’: Bill introduced after Swindon teenager killed in crash outside school
Harry was killed crossing the road on the way to school.
A new bill named after a Swindon teenager who died after being hit by a car outside his school has been put forward to Parliament.
The Harry Parker Bill was put to Parliament on Tuesday 4 February.
Will Stone, the MP for Swindon North, tabled the bill under Parliament’s 10 Minute Rule Bill, where backbenchers can introduce bills.
If passed, the law would make driving a car without a licence automatically fall under the offence of careless driving.
It follows the death of Harry Parker who died in hospital after being hit by a car on Akers Way, in Swindon, on 25 November 2022.
The crash happened just days before Harry’s 15th birthday, as he was crossing the road on the way to school.
A woman was originally charged with causing the death by careless driving and driving without a licence or insurance, but those charges were dropped due to a lack of evidence.
Parents’ heartbreak as driver of car which killed their son has charges dropped
Introducing the bill Mr Stone said: “I would like to give some context to what has brought me to bring the Harry Parker Bill forward to this House. This is not just a policy matter; it is about justice, accountability, and preventing future tragedies.”
With Harry’s parents, Adam and Kelly Parker watching on, Mr Stone said: “Harry was a 14-year-old boy. He loved football, taking home a trophy or two in his time.
“Those that knew him said he was a very popular and charming young man. To his parents, he was their world.
Adam said: “He had the biggest heart and loved to make people laugh. He could light up the room with just his presence.”
Mr Stone said: “However, on the 25th of November 2022, the unspeakable happened — an event that truly rocked our community. Harry was struck by a car outside of his school, and sadly, the incident resulted in his death. This, in itself, is a tragedy: a young 14-year-old boy with his life ahead of him.”
“The answer is simple: our system is flawed. A person who does not hold a valid license has no business being behind the wheel of a car, and when they do so, they put lives at risk.
“I cannot bring Harry back, nor can I give Adam and Kelly the justice they deserve. No legislation, no speech, no court ruling can erase their pain.
“But what we can do – what we must do – is ensure that no other family has to endure what they have been through.
“The Harry Parker Bill seeks to close the dangerous gaps in our legal system and impose real consequences on those who choose to drive without a license. Those who drive without a valid license will be deemed as careless.
“I urge this House will join me in honouring Harry’s memory not just with words, but with action. Let us commit to making our roads safer for all. I urge the government to consider this bill in the road safety strategy.”
The bill was unopposed at its first reading and it will now go for its second reading.
Mr Stone has previously said that, owing to the slim chances of private members’ bills becoming law, he hopes to persuade the government to adopt the measure and add it to its own road safety bills.
legislation, no speech, no court ruling can erase their pain.
“But what we can do – what we must do – is ensure that no other family has to endure what they have been through.
“The Harry Parker Bill seeks to close the dangerous gaps in our legal system and impose real consequences on those who choose to drive without a license. Those who drive without a valid license will be deemed as careless.
“I urge this House will join me in honouring Harry’s memory not just with words, but with action. Let us commit to making our roads safer for all. I urge the government to consider this bill in the road safety strategy.”
The bill was unopposed at its first reading and it will now go for its second reading.
Mr Stone has previously said that, owing to the slim chances of private members’ bills becoming law, he hopes to persuade the government to adopt the measure and add it to its own road safety bills.
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