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Learn & Live- Arguments to support proposals


The accident rate to young newly-qualified drivers is consistently higher than to more experienced drivers. This has remained true despite the tinkering with the system that has taken place so far.

This is an international problem and the UK is lagging behind other countries who have taken worthwhile action and reduced death and injury in this vulnerable group.

It is rarely just the young driver who dies, most commonly it is a passenger with a driver who lacks experience.

'P' PLATES AND A GRADUATED DRIVING LICENCE


A staged approach to increase driver safety


1. We have now gained a mandatory probationary period (he New Driver Act) but we still need 'P' plates to give a clear message to drivers that they are inexperienced and reduce over-confidence on passing the driving test.  This counters the current attitude that they "know it all!"

2. Plates would help police to identify the high-risk group which is being targeted for accident prevention.

3. Plates promote the concept of continued learning which will encourage novice drivers to take further instruction.

4. They have the support of road safety organisations, County Councils, magistrates, many driving instructors, women's groups and young people.

5.  A Transport Research Laboratory Cohort Study shows that young drivers themselves consider plates to be a major means of reducing road accidents.

6. Have massive public support, as illustrated by the number of letters in favour received by MPs and the Department of Transport over many years and the success of voluntary 'P' plate schemes.

7. Allow parents of young drivers legal backup in controlling the driving situations where the family car is used.

8. Reduce peer pressure among the young and warn prospective passengers of the risks.

9. 'P' plates are no more difficult to enforce than Learner 'L' plates.  If drivers are picked up for an offence and are also failing to display 'P' plates, then that is added to any other offences.

10. A graduated licence would encourage the concept of "earning a licence" as novice drivers would receive a test certificate initially with a full licence achieved on completion of the probationary period.


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