Tim’s Law calls for urgent reforms to tackle drink, drug and dangerous driving following the preventable death of my brother, Tim Burgess.

Nearly 196,000 people have signed this petition calling for:

Immediate licence suspension for suspected dangerous drivers

Rapid evidential saliva testing for drug driving

Stronger action against repeat offenders

Current delays between arrest and prosecution are leaving the public at risk. Tim’s death was preventable—these changes are needed now to protect lives.

 

 

At 9:15am on 18 July 2024, my brother, Tim Burgess, was killed by a driver who was speeding, under the influence of alcohol and drugs, using a mobile phone, and had a history of dangerous driving offences.

Just ten days before the collision, this same individual had crashed into a stationary vehicle while under the influence of drink and drugs and fled the scene. He was later arrested, a blood sample was taken, and he was released on bail pending laboratory analysis—a process that can take months.

This was not a one-off mistake. It was a pattern of dangerous behaviour that should have been identified and acted upon before lives were lost.

Tim’s death was preventable.

🚨 The Problem

Current systems are not acting quickly enough to remove dangerous drivers from the road.

Delays in toxicology results mean that individuals suspected of drug driving can continue driving for weeks or even months while awaiting prosecution.

This gap between arrest and charge leaves the public exposed to repeat offending.

Repeat offenders are often released back into the community despite clear evidence of ongoing risk.

Outdated legislation does not fully reflect modern technology or provide enforcement agencies with the tools they need to act decisively.

⚖️ Why Change Is Urgent

Dangerous driving—particularly involving drink and drugs—remains one of the most serious threats on our roads.

Yet there remains a critical gap between arrest and prosecution, during which time lives are put at risk.

Other countries, including Australia, already use rapid evidential saliva testing for drug driving, demonstrating that faster, effective enforcement is possible.

Without reform, preventable deaths like Tim’s will continue.

💡 What Tim’s Law Calls For

We call upon the UK Government to introduce the following reforms:

1. Immediate Licence Suspension

Drivers suspected of serious offences—including drink or drug driving—should have their licences immediately suspended pending investigation and court proceedings.

2. Rapid Evidential Saliva Testing for Drug Driving

Introduce immediate evidential roadside saliva testing for drug driving, supported by rapid laboratory confirmation, to:

Reduce delays between arrest and charge

Enable faster court proceedings

Prevent suspected drug drivers remaining on the road

3. Stronger Measures for Repeat Offenders

Repeat dangerous drivers should face:

Remand in custody where there is clear risk to the public, or

Strict bail conditions, including curfews and driving prohibitions

4. Improved Monitoring and Enforcement

Introduce stronger monitoring of high-risk drivers, including:

Mandatory vehicle registration with the DVLA

Increased use of ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition)

Immediate consequences for breaching licence restrictions

❤️ A Preventable Tragedy

Tim was a much-loved brother, son, father and uncle. His life was taken in circumstances that should never have been allowed to happen.

No family should have to endure such loss when clear warning signs were already there.

📢 Public Support

Nearly 196,000 people have already signed this petition, reflecting widespread public concern and a clear demand for change.

🛑 Driving Is a Privilege, Not a Right

Dangerous drivers must be stopped before lives are lost—not after.

Tim’s Law seeks to close the gaps in the current system, strengthen enforcement, and ensure that those who pose a clear risk to the public are dealt with swiftly and effectively.

🙏 Our Ask

We urge the UK Government to act now—to reform the law, adopt modern enforcement tools, and prevent further tragedies.