New driving licence rule changes planned to be introduced across the European Union could still be introduced in the UK despite experts branding the scheme “dangerous”.
Under new EU proposals, 17-year-olds would be allowed to drive heavy goods vehicles (HGV’s) under an accompanied driving scheme.
MEPs have already backed the European Commission’s new requirement as part of a new scheme to reform driving licence rules across member states.
Rishi Sunak’s Government is looking into its own driving licence rule changes with a consultation showing backing for younger road users to get access to heavier vehicles.
Under current UK rules, motorists must be at least 18 years old to drive a HGV but the rules could soon be updated.
More than two-thirds (69 percent) of those responding to the survey claimed drivers should be automatically allowed to drive machines up to 7.5 tonnes when they pass their driving test.
However, experts at The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) have warned lowering the age restrictions could have devastating consequences.
Ellen Townsend, policy director at ETSC urged lawmakers to “reconsider” the changes ahead of a planned vote in the new year.
She said: “This legislation was introduced under the banner of a ‘road safety package’ – but frankly if we end up encouraging large numbers of teenagers to drive lorries the consequences will be devastating.
“Ahead of the plenary vote in the European Parliament in January, we hope policymakers will take a step back and reconsider the consequences of these changes, before voting on plans that will make our roads more dangerous for everyone.”
Motorists who pass their test in the UK get access to a category B (car) licence with a maximum weight of 3.5 tonnes.
However, road users can secure a C1 licence which allows them to get behind the wheel of medium-sized vehicles ranging from 3.5-7.5t tonnes.
Road users who passed their test before January 1997 were able to drive a lorry or heavy van without passing a test.
Data shows the testing regime has had a major impact on the number of heavy vehicles on the road.
According to the statistics, there has been a drop in C1 vehicles with mileage down by a staggering 58 percent.
