North Staffordshire residents are being urged to back proposals for 'Sharlotte's law' following the launch of a government consultation.

Ministers are considering changing the law which currently requires a suspect's consent before their blood can be tested in drink or drug driving cases.

Campaigners have been calling for this change since the death of North Staffordshire schoolgirl Sharlotte-Sky Naglis in 2021.

The six-year-old died instantly after being hit by motorist John Owen, as she and her dad walked along the pavement on Endon Road, near their Norton Green home.

Owen, who was speeding and using his mobile phone, was twice over the drink-drive limit and had taken cocaine, but because he was left in a coma and unable to consent to a blood test, Sharlotte's family had to wait months to find out that he was over the limit, which they say was 'like torture'.

Owen, of The Square, Oakamoor, was eventually convicted and jailed for six years and two months in October 2022.

The government will now explore 'alternative methods for drug driving evidence collection and processing' as part of a new Road Safety Strategy.

According to the strategy, the current process is subject to 'significant delays', and adopting a more flexible approach could support 'more robust enforcement outcomes'.

Individuals and organisations can have their say on the issue by taking part in a consultation on changes to penalties for motoring offences.

The consultation document states: "We believe that the complex area of taking samples in hospitals, with the current requirement for permission from the individual to be given before a sample can be taken, should be revisited.

"Delays in analysing samples from unconscious patients can slow down investigations into offences.

"Any changes to hospital procedures for drink and drug driving suspects must balance the need to safeguard the suspect's rights with the need for timely analysis of samples to secure best evidence.

"There are also instances where police were unable to secure the attendance of an approved medical practitioner to take a forensic sample. We would welcome comments on whether there are any alternatives we should consider."

Respondents are asked to suggest changes to hospital procedures and the current law and practice regarding drink and drug testing (questions 26 to 29 in the consultation response form).

Stoke-on-Trent North MP David Williams hopes as many people as possible will take part in the consultation to demonstrate the public support for Sharlotte's Law.

He said: "When I was elected last year, I made a promise to Claire that pressing for Sharlotte's Law would be a priority for me.

"In Parliament, I have met regularly with ministers, officials and campaigners to make the case for a change in the law, so no family goes through the anguish and pain that Sharlotte's family endured.

"This shows our campaigning has been heard and that the case for change is being taken seriously. Now is the moment for the wider community to make its voice heard.

"The consultation gives people the opportunity to help ensure this change is carried through, so families are better protected in the future."

Sharlotte's mum Claire Reynolds said: "I want to thank David and everyone that has believed in this law and what it can do for families going forward.

"I am overwhelmed with the support and backing this has got from the government, it's amazing to have people believe in Sharlotte's Law and how this law will change families' lives.

"We still have a way to go but this is a massive step to get us closer to making it happen."

The consultation will run until March 31.

To have your say, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposed-changes-to-penalties-for-motoring-offences