Andrea Leadsom, MP for South Northamptonshire, has been named Brake’s road safety MP of the month for her work campaigning alongside a local bereaved family to improve young driver safety.
18-year-old Rebecca Taylor, from Northampton, died in September 2008 when she hit surface water and lost control of her car. After her death, the family began campaigning for improvements to young driver safety and contacted Ms Leadsom to ask for her help.
Andrea arranged for the family to meet Mike Penning, who at the time was road safety minister, and has more recently arranged a meeting with the current minister, Robert Goodwill. At the meeting they asked the Government to implement a full system of ‘graduated driver licensing’ in its anticipated Green Paper on young drivers.
Inspired by the Taylor family, Ms Leadsom has pledged to continue to work hard to ensure their proposals are heard by Government.
Julie Townsend, Brake deputy chief executive, said: "Andrea’s efforts to champion this issue are commendable, and she has shown real determination in ensuring the Taylors are heard.
“Her support is further recognition of the compelling case for action on young driver safety, particularly reform of our licensing system."
Nicole Taylor, Rebecca’s mum, said: "We honestly can’t thank Andrea enough for her unwavering support and guidance over the past five years. That’s why we’re proud to nominate her for this award."
Andrea Leadsom said: "As an MP I am in a privileged position to be able to raise vital issues like the safety of young drivers and I am pleased to have been able to do so on behalf of the Taylors.
“I am delighted to accept this award from Brake and look forward to continuing to work with the Taylors to campaign to make our roads safer and prevent further tragedies involving young people."
Comment on this story