Clwyd West MS Darren Millar is backing a campaign to promote safer driving among first-year drivers following the tragic death of a Denbighshire teenager.
Olivia Alkir was killed in a horrific crash on the B5105 between Ruthin and Clawddnewydd in 2019.
Following her death the ‘Olivia’s Legacy’ campaign was established by her best friend Joe Hinchcliffe, who was a witness of the accident, calling for all new drivers to be required to have a black box fitted to their vehicle for the first year after they pass their test and a limit on the number of passengers they can carry to one, in order to promote safer driving.
On Friday, Darren had a virtual meeting with Joe, Olivia’s mother, Jo Alkir, and Pat Astbury, the Chair of the North Wales Police and Crime Panel, to discuss the campaign.
Darren is now seeking a meeting with the Welsh Government’s Transport Minister Ken Skates to see how to move the campaign forward. He has also made representations to the UK Government and the insurance industry.
Darren said:
“The tragic death of Olivia was truly devastating for all who knew her and the wider community. During my meeting on Friday, it was heart breaking to hear first-hand of the affect the accident has had on Olivia’s parents and her friends.
“Olivia was just 17 when she died and the Olivia’s Legacy campaign was established in a bid to prevent other young lives being lost.
“Olivia was a bright girl with her whole life ahead of her, but sadly her life was cut drastically short due to a driver, who had only passed his test the day before, who decided to race with another driver.
“It is hoped that the campaign will encourage organisations such as the Welsh Government, UK Government and the Association of British Insurers to work together to change legislation for newly qualified drivers and I have vowed to do everything I can to take this agenda forward.
“I have already written to the Welsh Transport Minister, Ken Skates MS, requesting a meeting to discuss the matter, and will also be pursuing it with the UK Government and the insurance industry.
“No family should have to endure the avoidable pain that Olivia’s parents are faced with every day.
“The petition has already received more than 10,000 signatures and I encourage those who haven’t already signed it to add their name today.”
You can access the petition at: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/33304