The parents of a 19-year-old motorcyclist killed by a drunk driver are calling for a change in UK law that would impose mandatory lifetime driving bans on anyone convicted of causing death by dangerous driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Aidan Venison died in June 2024 after his motorcycle was struck on the B2133 near Wisborough Green in West Sussex by a Mazda CX-5 driven by 28-year-old Toby Spiring. Investigators found Spiring was driving on the wrong side of the road and was twice the legal alcohol limit at the time of the collision. He had also previously been banned for drug-driving.
In October 2025, Spiring pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to eight years in prison. The court also imposed a five-year driving ban, which will begin only after he is released from prison. Once the ban expires, he will be eligible to take an extended driving test and apply to drive again.
Aidan’s mother, Tracy Venison, has launched a petition urging the government to make lifetime driving bans mandatory for the most serious drink- and drug-driving offences. She argues that current penalties fail to deter repeat offenders and do not adequately protect the public.
“Our laws are so flimsy. There’s absolutely no deterrent,” she said, adding that she wants to ensure no other family suffers the same loss. Aidan’s father, Darran Venison, echoed her concerns, saying it is “horrifying” that offenders can eventually regain their licences even after causing a death.
The campaign has received backing from Conservative MP Andrew Griffith, who said choosing to drive after consuming alcohol or drugs is a deliberate decision with potentially fatal consequences. If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it could be considered for debate in the UK Parliament.
Under current laws in England and Wales, courts can impose life imprisonment for causing death by dangerous driving and have the power to order lifetime driving bans in exceptional cases. However, such bans are rarely used, with judges more commonly imposing fixed-term disqualifications. The government says it is reviewing road safety laws, including tougher penalties for drink- and drug-driving offences, as part of its latest road safety strategy.
