Image: RoadPeace
Hundreds of people have already signed an open letter to the incoming government, calling for graduated driver licencing (GDL) to be introduced within the first 100 days of the next Parliament.
The letter has been produced by RoadPeace, in conjunction with the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS).
For decades, road casualty data has shown that young and inexperienced drivers, aged between 17 and 24 years, are at a far greater risk of being killed or injured in a road crash than any other age group. They are involved in 24% of all collisions resulting in death or serious injury in Great Britain, despite representing only 7% of the driving population.
In 2022, 4,935 people were killed or seriously injured in crashes in Great Britain involving at least one young driver.
GDL is a system designed to help new drivers gain experience and skills gradually over time in low-risk environments.
RoadPeace says GDL would ensure that young, novice drivers are given the time and space they need to become safe and competent drivers before they face high-risk situations.
The charity says changers for learner drivers should include:
- A minimum learning period of at least 6 months
- A minimum number of hours of practice of at least 50-60 hours
Post-test Changes should include:
- Drivers under 21 unable to carry peer-aged passengers for the first six months
- Drivers under 21 unable to drive between midnight and 4am for the first six months
All signatures must be submitted before 11am on Tuesday 25 June 2024.
GDL has been heavily featured in the media recently.
Earlier this year, RoadPeace supported the launch of the Forget-me-not Families Uniting group (pictured), which has now grown to include more than 110 bereaved parents, all campaigning for GDL.
The group was launched on BBC Breakfast television in April 2024 and was covered on the programme again in June.
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