Backlash at ‘perverse’ plan to stop young drivers giving lifts

DRAFT legislation that would impose curbs on newly qualified drivers has prompted a backlash from rural campaigners and parent groups who say it is “perverse”.

A private members’ Bill, introduced by a Labour backbench MP, aims to prevent road accidents by introducing “graduated driving licences”.

These would impose a series of conditions on motorists, such as restrictions on carrying passengers and driving at night for six months after they have passed their driving test.

But the proposals were criticised for discriminating against families or those who live outside urban areas.

Molly Kingsley, founder of the parent campaign group UsForThem, said: “Anything that encourages greater road safety is to be applauded.

“But we need to be careful of blanket bans that appear to penalise certain groups regardless of their ability to use other transport. The reality is in many rural areas there is simply no alternative to driving for families. At a time when we are trying to encourage our young people back into a life of socialisation, restricting their only ability to see their friends is a nonsense, it is perverse.”

Graham Biggs, a policy adviser to the Rural Services Network, said: “Because of the lack of public transport options in pretty much all rural areas across England, there is a need for people of all ages to have their own transport.

“And so it is inevitable that the proposals would have a different impact in rural compared to urban areas as it will mean young people will be less independently mobile. This legislation will delay the benefits of being able to drive independently.”

He added that he can “understand those that argue that on balance it is better for young people to be in the same position for a short while longer and be safe and alive”.

Greg Smith, a Tory MP who sits on the transport select committee, said that in constituencies like his own in Buckingham, “if you don’t have a car you are pretty stuffed”. “If there is a deficiency in the way we test people, let’s fix it. The answer is not just to say we will restrict you for a bit,” he said.

Introducing the Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (New Drivers) Bill in parliament last week, Kim Leadbeater, the Labour MP, said that around a fifth of all deaths or serious injuries on British roads are a result of collisions involving a young driver.

“This Bill is not about taking away young people’s freedom or fun, it’s about trying to save their lives,” she told fellow MPs.

‘Restricting young people’s only ability to see their friends is a nonsense’