Douglas Ross backs scheme to restrict inexperienced drivers
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Moray MP Douglas Ross has given his backing to a plan to place restrictions on drivers who have recently passed their test in a bid to reduce traffic accidents in Scotland.
The introduction of a graduated licence scheme could forbid drivers from being on the roads at certain times of the day, having too many passengers and a reduction in speeds. Passenger numbers are not likely to include immediate family.
In Northern Ireland, new drivers are legally bound to display an ‘R’ plate on their car for a year, which stops them driving more than 45mph. Mr Ross clarified he does not agree with this particular approach.
The approaches he backs include a zero drink limit, no carrying of passengers under 25 unless accompanied by an adult over 25, no driving after 10pm or before 6am except for work, drivers displaying an 'L' during learning and probationary period and for 12 months after passing driving test a ‘P’ plate and, finally, if the driver was to accrue more than six points on their driving licence in the 12 month period after they passed their test. they would have to re-sit it.
Mark McDonald, SNP MSP for North East Scotland, brought a similar idea forward back in 2012 but there had been little talk of it until, more recently, the scheme was piloted in Northern Ireland but stalled due to the assembly not sitting.
Mr Ross now wants to take the scheme forward in Scotland in a bid to reduce traffic accidents.
He said: "Research reveals that the two elements that contribute to road collisions amongst young and novice drivers are age and inexperience. While age is clearly an important factor, all novice drivers are at greater risk when first licensed as a result of their inexperience.
"Alarmingly, the Highlands and Grampian areas have some of the highest young driver collision rates in the UK, with 10 per cent of all collisions involving a driver aged between just 17 and 19 years. In these areas alone we could reduce casualties, including those killed or seriously injured, if a form of graduated licence was introduced.
"In addition to the huge personal trauma these collisions cause to our communities, financially studies suggest we could save at least £4 million in costs to society in these areas alone."
Dr Neale Kinnear, of the Transport Research Laboratory, said: "While road safety in Scotland has been improving in recent years, 17-24 year olds are still over-represented in road collisions and are an area for priority.
"Research estimates that if a Graduated Driving Licence system was introduced in Scotland it could prevent almost 200 casualties, including 29 killed or serious injured from collisions involving a 17-19 year old driver. Financially this could save at least £12.5 million in Scotland. A GDL system that applied to 17-24 year old new drivers would prevent even more casualties and increase the savings to society."
