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The AA has pointed out a significant flaw in the government’s proposed changes to driving laws in Great Britain, stating that there is a major oversight in not implementing stricter driving licence rules for new and young drivers. While several modifications were outlined on Monday, such as potential driving bans for over 70s who fail mandatory eye tests, there have been calls for the introduction of graduated licences for new drivers to impose restrictions, like prohibiting peer-age passengers for a specific period after passing their practical test. However, Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones expressed concerns over potentially discriminatory effects on young parents or caregivers and confirmed that there are currently no plans to introduce such measures.
Despite the AA’s overall approval of the government’s proposals, they emphasized the absence of safeguards to protect new drivers and passengers by limiting peer-age passengers for six months. According to the latest government statistics, a quarter of road collision fatalities involve at least one young driver, with male drivers aged 17 to 24 being at a higher risk of being killed or seriously injured compared to other age groups, except for those aged 86 or older. Road safety charity Brake attributed this risk to the tendency of young drivers to take risks or crash when accompanied by peers of similar age, a behavior less common among older drivers.
The government’s announcement of a radical overhaul of driving laws in Great Britain on Monday included plans to ban drivers over 70 who fail eye tests, align drink-driving limits in England and Wales with Scotland’s laws, and penalize non-seatbelt usage with points on licences, all in the interest of safeguarding younger motorists. Despite calls from campaigners for graduated licences with passenger restrictions, the government explained that such measures could unfairly target and discriminate against younger drivers, especially those balancing responsibilities like parenting or caregiving. While not currently under consideration, the Department for Transport affirmed its commitment to exploring alternative strategies to address the disproportionately high involvement of young people in road incidents through the upcoming road safety strategy.
Campaigners have previously advocated for restrictions on new drivers, such as prohibiting them from carrying passengers aged 25 or under for a specified period or until they reach 20, unless accompanied by an older adult. The RAC has supported similar limitations under a graduated licensing scheme, which also suggests additional measures like a minimum learning period before practical tests, driving curfews during late hours, and a reduced or zero alcohol limit for driving. In light of the high number of young drivers involved in accidents within their first year of driving, there is anticipation to learn about the government’s plans to address this issue effectively
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