Jersey to introduce lifetime driving ban

Politicians have unanimously agreed to introduce a lifetime driving ban.

Deputy Catherine Curtis lodged the proposition, which could see islanders, who fail to stop and report a serious accident and help people involved, with a serious or fatal injury, get a maximum penalty of a lifetime driving disqualification.

The ban would be introduced in the most serious cases, as Deputy Curtis believes the family and friends of victims of collisions should never have to see the offender behind the wheel again.

"Driving is not a right but a privilege.

"There have been terrible tragedies on our roads in the last few years.

"We had the deaths of Dean Lowe and his son, Charlie. That he should have his life cut short, and that of his little boy's, due to the carelessness and callousness of another person, is inexcusable."

Deputy Catherine Curtis

Jersey has the highest road casualty rate in the British Isles, with nine fatalities and 242 serious injuries recorded since 2020.

Infrastructure Minister Constable Andy Jehan says this proposition is rooted in tragic events which Jersey never wants to see again.

"The proposition seeks to ensure that we learn as best as we can from these past tragedies and aims to shape our legislation in a way that makes it less likely that they will happen again in the future."

The current maximum penalty for people who cause death by dangerous driving is 10 years imprisonment and a driving ban with a minimum of two years.

Deputy Curtis thinks increasing this to a lifetime driving ban for people who cause death or serious injury by dangerous driving, and fail to stop, improves public safety and ensures people take accountability for their actions.

She also believes it would deter hit-and-runs and dangerous driving in general, making people 'think twice' before they get behind the wheel or drive away.

"A lifetime ban guarantees that the individual will not have the opportunity to cause further harm through driving, which ensures that they cannot reoffend and put other people at risk."

Dean and Charlie Lowe

The changes to the law were sparked by the deaths of Dean, 48, and Charlie Lowe, 11, a father and son who tragically lost their lives walking home from the Pembroke Pub in the summer of 2023.

Jersey's Royal Court jailed Dylan John Pounds for 15 years for causing their deaths by dangerous driving, with other offences.

READ: Dylan John Pounds jailed for 15 years for killing Dean and Charlie Lowe

Pounds killed the father and son in a hit-and-run when he was speeding along Rue de Fauvic after a day-long drinking session.

Their deaths caused outrage and sadness in the community, with many calling for tougher penalties for dangerous drivers.

Thank you @DeputyCCurtis & @AndyJehan you have no idea how grateful we are to you both #JusticeForDeanAndCharlie #ThankYou #ChangeTheLaw #NoLicenseForKillers #RoadJustice #EndRoadViolence https://t.co/PqyRzalnNY

— Sophie Reid (@SophieBamReid) May 13, 2025