1:40am Thursday 19th July 2007
By Anika Bourley
A call for tough new restrictions for novice drivers before and after taking their test have been backed by a Bradford road safety chief.
A report published today says drivers with less than one year's experience should have a zero alcohol limit before they get behind the wheel, have restrictions on carrying passengers and continue to learn to drive for at least 12 months.
A Commons Transport Select Committee report into novice drivers believes imposing measures on the newly-qualified drivers will cut the number of road deaths caused by inexperience.
It recommends a minimum 12 month learning period for new drivers be introduced, meaning no-one under 18 would be driving unaccompanied.
Learners should be also forced to drive in different weather and lighting conditions. Instructors would sign off each module once the learner has "consistently achieved the required standard." Motorway driving should also be introduced if deemed "necessary."
Novice drivers would be banned from carrying any passengers, aged between ten and 20, from 11pm to 5am for a fixed period after passing their test, the report says. The current drink-drive level should also be cut to zero for the first 12 months.
A study in West Yorkshire on young drivers is expected to be published shortly.
Steve Thornton, co-ordinator of road safety services in the Bradford district, said: "We largely support the measures announced, but would question the details and the logistics of delivery and enforcement - and we would like to see this put into a broader framework of road safety responsibility."
Mr Thornton said many young drivers were safe and measures should not penalise those who are sensible.
And he has called for any change in alcohol limit to be across the board.
He said: "We would not want this initiative, to reduce death and injury caused by young drivers, to lead to unsustainable policing demands."
The report also urges the insurance industry to re-examine high premiums slammed on supervised learner drivers to encourage more young people to take out policies and not drive uninsured.
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