The work of a Rugby family over 25 years to recognise the work of road traffic investigators within the police was commended in Parliament this week after local MP Mark Pawsey secured a debate in Westminster.
The debate, titled “Road Traffic Deaths: Police Investigations” was used by Mark to speak about George and Giulietta Galli-Atkinson, whose daughter Livia was tragically killed in 1998 whilst walking to her ballet class when a driver mounted the pavement and careered into her, having first injured another pedestrian. When the case came to trial, the judge decided that a custodial sentence was not necessary and instead issued a £2,000 fine, 10 points on his licence and a five-year ban from driving. The family appealed against the decision, and eventually pursued a civil case against the driver after the criminal appeal route was exhausted without success.
During the debate, Mark spoke about his first meeting with the Galli-Atkinson’s shortly after being elected in 2010, and how moved he was by their determination to honour Livia’s memory with an award to recognise the work of the police officers who investigated Livia’s case. This award, which has gone from humble beginnings as a personal expression of thanks to one which now represents a milestone in the Metropolitan Police Service’s history and calendar. As Rugby’s MP, Mark was invited to form part of the judging panel for the awards and has worked closely with the Galli-Atkinson’s both on the Livia award and alongside their wider work on road safety.
Speaking after the Parliamentary debate, Mark said:
“I’ve been incredibly inspired by George and Giulietta and it is honour to be able to have highlighted 25 years of the Livia Award in Parliament. They are committed to improving road safety, fair sentencing, and proper recognition of outstanding police officers in this area. Indeed, before the Livia award there was little to no recognition of the work of traffic police officers. Rugby is fortunate to have two such people in our community, and it has been my honour to have been a part of their work on the Livia award.”
Mark continued:
“It has been moving, and sometimes very challenging, to learn about the work of road collision investigators and the tragic incidents they work on. However, their contribution is vital to the pursuit of justice for those affected by road traffic incidents. The work that George and Giulietta have done to maintain the high profile of the Livia award throughout its 25 years has done much to highlight this valuable policing role.”