THE call for Violet’s Law needs less than 5,000 names to reach the 100,000 mark.
The online petition – demanding tougher sentences for dangerous drivers who kill – has amassed more than 95,000 signatures.
If it reaches the 100,000 mark, the petition for a much stricter law will be discussed in Parliament.
So far 15,000 St Helens residents have signed the petition and the Star – which is supporting the campaign – is urging more people to add their names ahead of Violet-Grace Youens’ second anniversary, which falls next week.
Violet with her parents Glenn and Becky and little brother Oliver
Four-year-old Violet, from Eccleston, died on Saturday, March 25, 2017 after being struck by a stolen car on Prescot Road.
The man behind the wheel of the car was given a jail term of more than nine years but her parents say the sentence was not long enough.
He will be on parole after four years.
In February, Violet’s parents Becky and Glenn launched an e-petition calling for parliament to consider the creation of Violet’s Law.
This would give the courts the powers to jail people convicted of causing death by dangerous driving for life in the most severe cases.
The current sentencing guidelines for someone convicted of causing death by dangerous driving state the maximum jail term is 14 years.
The Ministry of Justice pledged to progress with tougher laws 18 months ago and, followings delays, they say the increase will be proposed “when parliamentary time allows”.
Violet’s heartbroken parents say the wait has gone on long enough.
They said: “We are coming up to Violet’s second anniversary and we are still picking up the pieces."
Violet's tiny coffin was carried into church by her parents after she died from the hit-and-run
Becky said: "The government needs to act now.
"To be sat in court and to be told your child’s life if not worth double figures is heartbreaking and insulting.
"The law needs to change.
"I don't want to be sat here in another couple of years and nothing changed in the law.
"Cars can be powerful weapons in the wrong hands."
The community of St Helens rallied around the Youens family following Violet's tragic death, can we work together to push them to reach 100,000 in her memory as well?
To sign the petition go to bit.ly/VioletGracesLaw.
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