People charged with causing death by dangerous driving, or reasonably believed to have committed the offence, will have their licences disqualified or suspended on the spot, under new laws introduced to state Parliament last week.

Attorney-General Vickie Chapman says the move would better protect road users from the dangers posed by people who kill others by driving recklessly.

“These laws will ensure motorists charged with causing death by dangerous driving are prevented from getting behind the wheel,” she says. 

“The proposed legislation will give police new powers to suspend the licence of someone charged with causing death by dangerous driving, or reasonably believed to have committed the offence.”

“In cases where they don’t have a licence, they will be barred from applying for one.

“These measures would remain in place until the charge itself has been resolved.” 

She says courts would have the discretion to lift the licence suspension under limited circumstances.

“Someone accused of this offence, would have the opportunity to appeal to the courts to have this disqualification or suspension lifted. 

“But, given the seriousness of these offences, community safety remains paramount and a court will only be allowed to lift the suspension or disqualification in exceptional circumstances.”