Drivers born in these years could be 'banned' from carrying passengers
A driving licence change could mean UK drivers, motorists and road users are handed NEW RESTRICTIONS for when behind the wheel. The Graduated Driving Licence Bill would see young drivers subject to restrictions in their first year behind the wheel.
Drivers under 21, so born in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, would be unable to carry peer-aged passengers for the first six months and would also be prohibited from driving between midnight and 4am for the first six months of a new licence. Labour Party MP, Kim Leadbeater introduced the measures in Parliament earlier this year, told the House of Commons of her plan.
She said: “We must never forget that behind statistic there are thousands of lives, right across the country, grieving or going through unimaginable pain. Lives changed forever and families torn apart by tragic and often avoidable collisions.”
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Leadbeater added: “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."
Rod Dennis, RAC road safety spokesperson, said: “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.” IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes has also backed the Bill.
While the Bill failed, new data this week shows young male car drivers aged between 17 and 24 are four times as likely to be killed or seriously injured compared with all car drivers aged 25 or over.