Graduated driver licencing (GDL) will again be discussed by MPs next month, as part of an inquiry into young and novice driver safety.
GDL is a scheme which places restrictions on new drivers, such as not being able to drive at night – or not driving with passengers under a certain age in the car.
Its introduction has long been debated by the Government, who in 2019 committed to review and consult on GDL as part of its road safety action plan.
The issue will be raised during the first evidence session of the Transport Committee’s relaunched inquiry into young and novice drivers, which takes place on 2 September.
MPs will hear from Dr Neale Kinnear, head of behavioural science at TRL, along with Elizabeth Box, head of research at the RAC Foundation, and Mary Williams OBE, chief executive of Brake.
Speaking to the Telegraph ahead of the session, Dr Kinnear says GDL could prevent up to 400 deaths or serious injuries each year, saving the economy £200 million annually through crash prevention.
Dr Kinnear added that research has ‘consistently shown’ that young drivers are ‘less adept’ at responding to road hazards.
He said: “The only real approach to tackle this with evidence of working is graduated driver licencing, and the evidence for it is overwhelming.”
The focus of the session, which will be available to watch via the Transport Committee website, is to explore:
The human cost of collisions involving young and novice drivers; road safety campaigns, and the policy changes campaigners would like to see
The reasons young and novice drivers are at a higher risk when it comes to road traffic collisions and casualties
Policy options and interventions which could reduce the risks to young and novice drivers
The results of research undertaken into these interventions
The effects of the coronavirus pandemic on issues affecting young and novice drivers
Statistics show that young drivers aged 17-24 years account for 7% of the UK’s driving licence holders but are involved in 20% of fatal and serious collisions.