Learn & Live- Arguments to support proposals

1 in 3 accidents involve men under the age of 20

3 young people die each and every day in Britain in road accidents

'P' PLATES AND A PROBATIONARY PERIOD

A staged approach to increase driver safety

1. We have now gained a mandatory probationary period but we still need 'P' plates to give a clear message to drivers that they are inexperienced and reduce over-confidence on passing the driving test.  This counters the current attitude that they "know it all!"

2. Plates would help police to identify the high-risk group which is being targeted for accident prevention.

3. Plates promote the concept of continued learning which will encourage novice drivers to take further instruction.

4. They have the support of road safety organisations, County Councils, magistrates, many driving instructors, women's groups and young people.

5.  A Transport Research Laboratory Cohort Study shows that young drivers themselves consider plates to be a major means of reducing road accidents.

6. Have massive public support, as illustrated by the number of letters in favour received by MPs and the Department of Transport over 7 years and the success of voluntary 'P' plate schemes.

7. Allow parents of young drivers legal backup in controlling the driving situations where the family car is used.

8. Reduce peer pressure among the young and warn prospective passengers of the risks.

9. 'P' plates are no more difficult to enforce than Learner 'L' plates.  If drivers are picked up for an offence and are also failing to display 'P' plates, then that is added to any other offences.

10.Restrictions during the probationary period could make this period more effective.

11.A graduated licence would encourage the concept of "earning a licence" as novice drivers would receive a test certificate initially with a full licence achieved on completion of the probationary period.