Leading MPs and safety organisations are calling on the Government to introduce new driving licence changes to slash the number of accidents and deaths on the road.
On Tuesday, the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (New Drivers) Bill was put before Parliament, with the graduated driving licence proposals receiving cross-party support.
Under the new rules, newly qualified drivers would face restrictions for the first six months after passing their test to ensure younger drivers are safe when they are still relatively inexperienced behind the wheel.
This would include a zero-alcohol consumption measure, restrictions on the number of passengers in the car and a crackdown on night-time driving.
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The new proposals would see limits put on newly qualified drivers
PA
The proposals are being launched by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater who said the potential changes are not designed to infringe on young people and their opportunities, but to improve road safety.
Speaking in the Commons, the Labour MP for Batley and Spen, said: “This is where I believe we can take immediate action to increase safety on our roads.
“The Bill I am presenting today would place restrictions on newly qualified drivers for the first six months immediately after they pass their test, following consultation.
“Substantial evidence shows that, during that time, drivers are statistically much more likely to be involved in a collision, often with devastating consequences.”
Graduated driving licence schemes have been used in countries across the world to boost road safety and help people become more confident behind the wheel without any distractions.
Leadbeater pointed to evidence from New Zealand, which led to a 23 per cent reduction in car collisions for those aged between 15 and 19, and a 12 per cent drop for drivers between 20 and 24.
The MP was prompted to bring the proposals forward after being contacted by a colleague, Dr Ian Greenwood, who tragically lost his 12-year-old daughter, Alice, in a crash involving an inexperienced 18-year-old driver.
The proposals have been backed by key stakeholders including the AA, RAC, the Association for British Insurers (ABI) and charities like Project EDWARD – Every Day Without A Road Death.
Commenting on the new bill, Rod Dennis, RAC road safety spokesperson, suggested that urgent changes were needed to help slash the number of dangerous accidents.
He added: “The tragic statistics speak for themselves. Young drivers, especially men, are far more likely to be killed or seriously injured on our roads, so it’s high time a renewed focus was given to reducing casualties.
“Families up and down the country who have lost sons and daughters far too soon are looking for something to change, and graduated driving licences could well be the answer.
“Passing the practical driving test is the very first step in anyone’s driving career, but there remains so much more to learn to become a safe, proficient and confident driver.
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The new proposals could see newly qualified drivers banned from having passengers for a certain period of time
PA
“We call on MPs to back this Bill and set the wheels in motion in creating legislation that has the potential to save lives.”
The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (New Drivers) Bill will receive its second reading on May 17.
