Drivers born in these three years could be given 'zero' alcohol limit

Drivers born in these three years could be given 'zero' alcohol limit
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New driving licence proposals could see more restrictions placed on motorists. Speaking in Westminster earlier this week, Labour Party MP and Future Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said newly qualified young drivers could face a zero alcohol limit to improve road safety.

During a Westminster Hall debate on road safety for young drivers, Ms Greenwood also suggested the Government may consider introducing a minimum training period before learner drivers can take a test. She said: “We can… look to international experience.

“For example, a number of countries have a lower or zero alcohol limit for young drivers, or a minimum learning period.” The move would likely impact anybody aged 17 and 18 passing their test, so born in the year 2006 or 2007 or 2008.

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Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, said: “Quite rightly the minister has one eye on what is happening overseas to see what might usefully be incorporated into her new road safety strategy later this year.

“If the evidence stacks up for a reduction of the drink-drive limit for newly qualified drivers then it should be considered.“We see a strong case for a minimum learning period, preferably as part of a package that ensures young drivers are given adequate opportunity to practice before taking the practical test and recognises the need for them to continue gaining experience safely thereafter – both need to feature in the Government’s thinking.”

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Ms Greenwood said: “While we are not considering graduated driving licences, we absolutely recognise that young people are disproportionately victims of tragic collisions on our roads, and that is why we are exploring options to tackle the root causes of this without unfairly penalising young drivers.

“This Government wants to ensure young people’s access to employment, education and other opportunities, while also keeping them safe on the roads.” She added: “We can never regard road deaths as inevitable, the majority of road crashes are avoidable.

“That is why the department is developing our road safety strategy. It will be the first in over a decade and we will set out more details in due course.”