New Drivers Face Curfew Scheme Which
Could Ban Night Driving
It has been announced in a recent report from the Department
for Transport that they are considering introducing a potential ban on newly-qualified
motorists driving at night.
Although this new regulation may come as a surprise to many
new motorists, the conversation follows recent collision figures of newly-qualified
drivers. On average, one in five newly-qualified motorists are involved in an
accident within their first twelve months on the road.
To combat this increasing number of collisions, the
graduated driving licence scheme would mean that motorist would be not only
faced with a curfew, but also additional restrictions.
Other Potential Restrictions Newly-Qualified Drivers Could Face
Newly-qualified drivers could also face the following restrictions
under the graduated licenses:
- Prevent new drivers from taking passengers under a certain age.
- Reduced alcohol limit.
How Would This Implicate Newly-Qualified Drivers
Although this new concept is designed to help keep new motorists and others
safe on the road, experts have expressed their concern. Currently, two-thirds
of newly-qualified motorist are young individuals.
Source: DFT
In response to the announcement, Ian McIntosh, chief executive of Red Driving School, argued that the scheme would disadvantage young people, hampering their employment prospects and social mobility.
“It will also affect support networks built around friends and families – particularly in rural areas where public transport options are limited,” he said.
“At a time where young drivers are already penalised through higher insurance premiums, the government should avoid action that further limits the opportunities offered by learning to drive.”
Currently, there are similar schemes in place in other countries to help improve the road safety of younger drivers. Countries include many EU countries and parts of Australia and Canada.
