Young drivers could be BANNED from road for giving pals a lift under harsh new rules to tackle ‘overconfident’ motorists
YOUNG drivers could be banned from the road for giving pals a lift under harsh new rules to tackle “overconfident” motorists.
MPs are mulling a bill which would introduce “graduated driving licences”.
If the bill becomes law, newly-qualified drivers would face strict limits on the number of young passengers they can carry.
They would also be banned from drinking any alcohol at all before getting behind the wheel.
The graduated licence would last for six months before the restrictions are lifted.
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater has put forward the bill in a bid to curb “often avoidable collisions”.
Nearly 30,000 people were killed or seriously injured on the roads between June 2022 and June 2023.
More than a fifth of those killed were aged between 17 and 29 years old.
Male drivers aged between 17 to 24 are four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured in an accident than those aged 25 or over.
Speaking in Parliament, Ms Leadbeater said: “Many of us will remember being new drivers.
“The inexperience, the lack of confidence or, sometimes, sadly often amongst younger men, the overconfidence.
“We must never forget that behind the statistic there are thousands of lives grieving or going through unimaginable pain.
“Right across the country, lives are changed forever and families torn apart by tragic and often avoidable collisions.”
The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (New Drivers) Bill is due for a second reading on May 17.
RAC road safety expert Rod Dennis said: “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.”
Mr Dennis added: “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.
“We call on MPs to back this Bill and set the wheels in motion in creating legislation that has the potential to save lives.”
YOUNG FUEL
Under current rules, new drivers must pass a probation period of two years where picking up just six points will lose them their licence.
But critics note that drivers under the age of 25 are responsible for fewer collisions than those aged over 85.
Previous bids to introduce a ban when Theresa May was Prime Minister stalled over concerns about young people’s free movement.
New drivers in Ireland face a two-year probation period, and must display “N” novice plates and abide by lower drink-drive limits.
In Australia, New Zealand and the US, young drivers obey strict limits on passenger numbers.
They must also be joined by an experienced motorist when driving at night.