A new campaign by the motoring organisation, the AA, is calling for new drivers under 21 to be banned from carrying passengers of a similar age for six months after passing their test.
The AA has estimated that introducing a graduated driving licence would save at least 58 lives and prevent 934 people being seriously injured on UK roads.
Paul Loughlin, Partner and a specialist in motoring law at Stephensons provides his reaction to the AA’s campaign:
“The prospect of graduated driving licences has been on the horizon for some time and their introduction, if it were to happen, undoubtedly could help to save lives.
“As it stands, new drivers can be disqualified if they receive six or more penalty points in the first two years of owning a licence, however there is no restriction on having passengers in the vehicle for instance. The proposals put forward by the AA, like those in other countries, would result in harsher penalties. In some circumstances, such as failing to wear a seatbelt, young drivers could lose their licence altogether.
“It remains to be seen whether the government explores graduated driving licences further, but its introduction will need to be carefully considered and executed. Questions such as how it will be policed and the parameters of the legislation would all need careful thought.”
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