The Western Australian Government will introduce new road safety laws to ensure hit and run drivers are banned from getting back behind the wheel, in memory of a hit and run victim.

Changes to the Road Traffic Act 1974, which would strengthen licence disqualification periods, would be called Kelly’s Law and dedicated to Kelly T’Hart.

On 19 May 2024, T’Hart was struck and killed by a vehicle while walking in the locality of Furnissdale.

The driver left the scene without rendering assistance and, despite facing serious charges, was allowed back on WA roads just two months after the fatal crash.

The proposed changes to the Road Traffic Act will ensure drivers facing serious driving charges are not able to get back behind the wheel again before facing courts for the first time.

The law will also give the courts more power to extend licence disqualification until the case is finalised with sentencing.

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“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,” said Reece Whitby, WA Road Safety Minister.

“Kelly’s Law will better protect the public and provide a stronger deterrent for people who choose not to follow the road rules.”

Disqualification notices are currently only available for some alcohol and drug offences – however, any driver who commits a serious offence would have their licence suspended.

Because of this, disqualification notice provisions will be extended to all offences that carry a disqualification penalty, including:

“The changes will help protect innocent people from the actions of reckless and irresponsible drivers,” Whitby said.

“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.”