Certain road users could be banned from driving at night under new rule proposals being called for by campaigners. The scheme would see newly-qualified road users face evening curfews, banning them from getting behind the wheel between certain times of the day.
The rule would be part of a larger Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL) system that could also include a minimum learning period and strict limits on passenger numbers. The concept of a GDL driving licence system isn’t new but fresh calls from West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime have boosted it. Alison Lowe OBE, who is also Chair of the West Yorkshire Vision Zero Partnership, has joined forces with the families of victims caught up in incidents to demand the change.
Alison said: “Five of us gathered at the memorial, the same number of people that needlessly die every day on UK roads.
“We’re clear here in West Yorkshire that a big change is needed and GDL has been proven to work, improving safety not only for drivers, but all road users.
“We’re far from alone in calling for GDL and it’s time Government acts on the advice of victims, road safety experts, charities and local leaders.”
West Yorkshire Combined Authority stressed that a GDL system only introduces certain conditions on new drivers for a period of time after passing their test.
She explained: “The transport minister rejected the idea of altering the driving licence system for younger drivers, opting instead for an alternative approach.
“While we are not considering graduated driving licences, we fully acknowledge that young people are disproportionately affected by tragic accidents on our roads. That’s why we’re exploring ways to address the underlying causes of this, without unfairly penalising young drivers.
However, a joint statement from the families of victims from across West Yorkshire stressed changing the rules should be an “easy decision” for rulemakers.
They added: “The ongoing impact and devastation of the death of a loved one in these circumstances cannot adequately be put into words. We want to do everything in our power to prevent it from happening to anyone else.”
