Driving licence changes that would impose new ‘restrictions’ on motorists gain support
Calls continue to grow for new driving licence changes to be introduced to protect younger people on roads following the tragic death of a 16-year-old.
Alan Knox is campaigning for new regulations to ban newly qualified drivers from carrying same-age passengers for six months after they pass their test.
It follows the death of his son, Lewis, alongside two of his friends who were killed when the car they were travelling in crashed in the Highlands in Scotland last August.
Lewis, 16, and his 17-year-old friends, Fergus Ward and Jordan Cameron, died in an accident on the A830 between Mallaig and Arisaig in North West Scotland.
The bereaved father recently met with Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop to campaign for new licence restrictions for young people.
He explained that the three boys were killed on a rural road when the vehicle lost control in the Highlands.
Mr Knox, who works as a paramedic, said young people should not be able to carry same-age passengers, which is one of the key features of a Graduated Driving Licence.
Some of the most common measures associated with the scheme include a nighttime driving ban, passenger bans and a zero tolerance for driving under the influence.
A bereaved father is calling on the Government to introduce Graduated Driving Licences to protect young motorists
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PA
Ms Hyslop called on the UK Government to grant Scotland additional powers to pilot Graduated Driving Licences to improve road safety.
The UK Government has previously ruled out the potential introduction of Graduated Driving Licences, which aim to restrict young people from getting into situations where they could be at risk.
Mr Knox told BBC Radio Scotland Breakfast: “Once somebody passes their driving test, they have that learning period to allow them to gain experience, experience on rural roads, in the dark, in the wet, and in the ice.
“This is how we can keep young people safe. I would personally like to see restrictions on having passengers in the vehicle for a year, but even six months is a step.”
He highlighted how GDLs are already used across the world, including in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and how they have reduced the number of young people seriously injured or killed on roads.
Research from The AA found that GDLs could save 58 lives every year, as well as at least 934 serious injuries on UK roads.
Further data shows that between 20 and 40 per cent of drivers could avoid death or serious injury with GDLs supporting new drivers.
Ms Hyslop, who represents Linlithgow for the SNP, said the Scottish Government was committed to reducing accidents involving young people, with young drivers 20 per cent more likely to be involved in a collision in their first year of driving.
Crystal Owen, whose son Harvey Owen, 17, was one of four teenagers killed in a crash last year, said law changes need to be introduced | PA“I continue to press for progress and ensure we take action to enhance young driver safety, including the delivery of national behaviour change campaigns focused on young drivers,” she added.
A Department for Transport spokesperson noted that it wanted to keep young people on the road, without infringing on their access to work, education and social activities.
They continued, saying: “That’s why we’re not introducing blanket restrictions on newly qualified drivers, such as limits on passengers or night-time driving.
“Instead, we’re focusing on better preparation before young people pass their test, including consulting on a minimum learning period.”
