Rutland campaigner says graduate driving licenses would improve road safety
The AA estimate introducing these in the UK would prevent 934 people being seriously injured in road crashes each year
The Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership has backed the AA's suggestion of graduated driving licences.
It's as the AA estimate introducing these in the UK would save at least 58 lives and prevent 934 people being seriously injured in road crashes each year.
They suggest new drivers aged under 21 should be banned from carrying passengers of a similar age for six months after passing their test.
Gaining a driving license is a privilege, not a right
Jonathon Clarkson, spokesperson for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland road safety partnership, said: "One hopes that the new government takes this advice and does seriously think about this because I absolutely think it will make a major difference."
"I think the idea of the GDL is one further refinement in order to help make our roads safer, so the Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland Road Safety Partnership are fully behind it and would be keen advisers for graduate driving licenses being introduced."
"It's that thing people talk about that gaining a driving license is a privilege, not a right."
"I think there needs to be more thought given because if there is a probationary period for the things that the AA is suggesting, then it focuses the mind a lot more."
The AA said it also wants those motorists to be handed six penalty points for not wearing a seatbelt during the same period, which would mean they lose their licence.
To aid police enforcement a “G” plate should be displayed on young drivers’ cars, to highlight that they are a “graduate” driver, the AA proposed.
It will make a major difference
These measures would be a form of graduated driving licensing (GDL), which is used in several countries, including the US, Canada, Australia and Sweden.
Department for Transport figures show 290 people were killed and 4,669 were seriously injured in crashes on Britain’s roads last year involving at least one driver aged 17-24.
AA chief executive Jakob Pfaudler said:
'Not only is this a tragic waste of life, but it contributes to the burden of high insurance premiums for young drivers.'
'These premiums should fall when there is evidence of a reduction of young drivers and passengers killed and seriously injured.'
'Graduated driver licensing has been proven in other countries to significantly reduce road deaths and serious injuries.'
'We are calling on the Transport Secretary to make simple, pragmatic changes to the licensing process so young people are better protected in their first few months of independent driving.'
The most popular element of the AA’s proposal, according to an online survey of 10,566 of its members, was passenger restrictions, with 33% of respondents saying they would support them.