‘Boy racers’ targeted in latest road safety plans

A WALK around the Diocese of Leeds might not sound much but it adds up to 360 miles ... and a Huddersfield vicar has decided to make it his sabbatical.

The Rev Canon Simon Moor, the vicar of Huddersfield Parish Church, pictured, and a keen walker, will attempt the walk in two stages.

He set off from Bolton Priory on Saturday to spend his first week walking between the larger churches of the diocese arriving that same evening at Bradford Cathedral.

And today he will walk from Bradford to Dewsbury via Halifax and Huddersfield, while tomorrow will find him walking from Dewsbury to Leeds Minster via Wakefield.

The Wednesday segment covers Leeds Minster to Ripon Cathedral and on Thursday he will slog from Ripon to Bolton Priory.

With the combination of a well-placed car and public transport, Simon intends to return home each day and anticipates his journey will vehicles in an attempt to stop ‘boy racers’ tearing around the roads in powerful motors.

The proposal mirrors similar schemes in Australia, New Zealand and the US where newly-qualified drivers cannot drive after daylight or carry passengers under the age of 25 unless supervised.

The Prime Minister said: “There are too many people who suffer a loss and tragedy at the hands of learner drivers and we will look at that.” involve only one stop-over in the outer reaches of Ripon.

He remarked: “This is about finding my own way, walking my own path.

“Walking has always allowed me the space in my head and my heart to get closer to God.”

Simon will recommence his trek after Holy Week when he will be aiming to walk the perimeter of the diocese, setting off from Walsden in the parish of Todmorden, next to the Lancashire border.

He expects the walk around the whole of the diocese - around 360 miles - to take him 17 days and plans to stop over at a number of churches along the way.

“When I walk, everything is unpacked, emptied and put back together again. It makes me whole,’ he added.

Simon will also spend two weeks of his sabbatical travelling in Zimbabwe to better understand the culture. Huddersfield Parish Church serves a number of Zimbabwean families.

Joshua Harris, from Brake, said: “Ensuring novice drivers have the skills and experience to drive safely on all types of roads, and in all scenarios, is an urgent priority.

“We are encouraged that the Government will look into the issue of Graduated Driver Licensing.

“However, this process must result in positive change.

“Young and novice drivers are involved in a disproportionate number of road crashes and the introduction of a comprehensive Graduated Driver Licensing system is critical to reverse this trend.

“Brake is calling upon the Government to bring the UK’s licensing system in line with best practice worldwide, requiring a minimum of 10 hours professional tuition for learner drivers and introducing a novice licence, with restrictions in place for two years after passing the practical driving test.”

Simon McCulloch at comparethemarket.com added it could also lead to a reduction in car insurance costs - particularity for young drivers who are spending 10% of their salary on just motor cover.

He said: “The idea behind these new plans is clear, and these measures should result in safer roads for all. While it may initially feel like a harsh restriction for new drivers, it’s worth considering these limitations on their licences should reduce their insurance risk profiles, which could ultimately see the cost of their insurance reduce significantly.”