Young motorists could face new restrictions to keep their driving licence and be allowed behind the wheel, according to transport minister Lilian Greenwood.
Officials stress that a “zero alcohol limit” or “minimum learning period” is not off the cards following examples from other countries.
Ms Greenwood stressed that drugs, alcohol use, mobile phones and peer pressure were among the major challenges facing younger motorists.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, it is against the law to drive with more than 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (mg/100ml).
However, road users considered under the limit will not face any legal consequences under existing rules.
Ms Greenwood said: “We can… look to international experience.
“For example, a number of countries have a lower or zero alcohol limit for young drivers, or a minimum learning period.”
Ms Greenwood stressed the Labour Government was not considering the introduction of a graduated licensing scheme.
This would limit motorists’ freedom to drive at certain times of the day or impose passenger bans for the first few months or years after passing a test.
However, Lillian added that it was important for politicians to “explore options” to tackle the cause of accidents on UK roads.
She added: “While we are not considering graduated driving licences, we absolutely recognise that young people are disproportionately victims of tragic collisions on our roads, and that is why we are exploring options to tackle the root causes of this without unfairly penalising young drivers.”
17 to 24-year-olds remain one of the highest fatality-risk groups with young men most at risk.
Official figures show that young male drivers aged 17 to 24 are four times as likely to be killed or seriously injured than motorists aged over 25.
Although, it is believed the number of young drivers killed on UK roads has dropped by 80% since 1990.
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said drink-driving restrictions for inexperienced road users “should be considered”.
He explained: “Quite rightly the minister has one eye on what is happening overseas to see what might usefully be incorporated into her new road safety strategy later this year.
“If the evidence stacks up for a reduction of the drink-drive limit for newly qualified drivers then it should be considered.
“We see a strong case for a minimum learning period, preferably as part of a package that ensures young drivers are given adequate opportunity to practice before taking the practical test and recognises the need for them to continue gaining experience safely thereafter – both need to feature in the Government’s thinking.”
