Killer drivers will face tougher penalties under reforms being introduced into State Parliament on Wednesday, June 21 - to be known as Charlotte’s Law.
The new law will expand the criteria in which police can charge someone with aggravated dangerous driving causing death.
The changes, prompted by the tragic death of Charlotte Pemberton and others, are designed to bring penalties in line with community expectations.
Ms Pemberton was killed by a man driving a high-powered motorcycle, without a valid licence and travelling at 40 kilometres per hour over the speed limit.
The new law lowers the speed threshold to 30kmh and allows police to apply aggravating circumstances for driving whilst unlicensed, suspended or disqualified.
Prior to these reforms, a person could only be charged with aggravated dangerous driving in limited circumstances including:
- Driving a vehicle at more than 45kmh over the speed limit;
- Driving without the owner’s consent; and
- Driving to escape pursuit by a police officer.
Father of Charlotte, Wayne Pemberton said on 6PR he was pleased the government had introduced tougher laws.
Mr Pemberton said there had been no fight to get the legislation changed with everyone agreeing it needed changing.
"I just feel the roads are going to be a bit safer to travel on,” he said.
"We are trying to prevent other families suffering this way."
Premier Mark McGowan said Charlotte Pemberton’s story made a lasting personal impression on him and many other Western Australians, and tragedies like this should not happen.
Mr McGowan said the government was committed to making Western Australian roads and communities safer.
“The community has demanded these laws, and we have acted swiftly to deliver them,” he said.
“The new measure will ensure that serious penalties, in line with the community’s expectations, are in place for drivers who kill or maim.”
Police and road safety minister Michelle Roberts said nothing would ever take away the pain of those who have lost loved ones.
“But what this does is makes sure the law is more adequate into the future,” she said.
“It’s our hope that families like Charlotte Pemberton’s and others don’t feel robbed by the judicial process.
“I hope it will also act as a significant deterrent to prevent the kind of tragedy that happened to Charlotte Pemberton and her family.”
