Elderly motorists support 'overly restrictive' driving licence changes that crack down on young people
WATCH: Quentin Willson on AA calls for limits on new drivers
GB NEWS
The vast majority of older drivers are calling for new motoring laws to be introduced to improve road safety and crack down on dangerous drivers, many of whom may have only recently passed their test.
New research has found that 92 per cent of road users over the age of 55 say more limits and restrictions should be imposed on new drivers in the interest of road safety.
In comparison, just three-quarters of motorists between the age of 18 and 54 agree that new laws should be introduced. This drops even further between the ages of 18 and 34 (71 per cent).
In recent months, there have been calls for the Government to introduce a Graduated Driving Licence (GDL) system for motorists who have recently passed their practical driving test.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
Elderly drivers are the most in favour of placing restrictions on young motorists
GETTY
This would see certain restrictions placed on them to ensure they are focused on the road and do not contribute to the high number of young people involved in road traffic accidents.
Potential restrictions could include a ban on carrying same-age passengers for the first six months of having their licence, as well as a potential curfew to prevent young people from travelling during the night.
While the GDL format has divided opinions, elderly drivers are broadly in favour of a regime which aims to crack down on dangerous motoring.
Only 16 per cent of younger drivers between the age of 18 and 29 are in favour of other measures like lower speed limits or the mandatory use of "P" or "G" plates.
Commenting on the data, Tom Banks, motoring expert at Go.Compare, said there was a "clear difference" in attitude between younger and older generations on the road.
He added: "We've seen some in the industry call for new rules like different licence types and tougher punishments for drivers who fail to follow them.
"Despite opinions that these changes would build experience and improve road safety, our research shows many young people feel the measures are overly restrictive."
Graduated Driving Licences are already used in other countries around the world including New Zealand, Australia and Canada, and have resulted in an increase in road safety.
In 2023, over 96,000 collisions were attributed to driver or rider error, while more than 36,000 incidents were caused by "inexperienced or risky" behaviour behind the wheel.
Most road users backed calls for the restrictions to apply to all drivers who have recently passed their test, although 16 per cent said they should only be limited to those under the age of 25.
Banks added that motorists who have a black box installed in their vehicles can lead to cheaper insurance premiums, as well as further benefits like cashback and vouchers.
He said: "By investing time in becoming a safer driver - whether through extra practice, training, or following restrictions - new drivers can also build up their no-claims, resulting in lower premiums down the line."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
A number of road safety experts and organisations have backed calls to place restrictions on recently qualified drivers
PAA DfT spokesperson told GB News: "Every death on our roads is a tragedy and our thoughts remain with the families of everyone who has lost a loved one in this way.
"Whilst we are not considering Graduated Driving Licences, we absolutely recognise that young people are disproportionately victims of tragic incidents on our roads, and we are considering other measures to tackle this problem and protect young drivers."
You may like
