Road Safety GB has published the results of an open survey on the potential introduction of Graduated Driver Licensing in the UK.
It follows calls by parents of young victims killed in car crashes involving young drivers.
These calls were backed by a number of road safety professionals who openly called on politicians to integrate the policy into their election manifestos. 


Time to act


The findings of the latest Road Safety News readers’ survey have, perhaps unsurprisingly, shown overwhelming support for the introduction of graduated driver licencing (GDL).


Of the 471 responses, 85% were in favour of GDL, with 8% against its introduction. The remaining 7% were not sure.




 


One respondent stated: “If such ideas are working successfully in other countries then why not in UK? Too many young people die on our roads.”


When asked what measures would improve safety for young drivers, 463 respondents answered.


Restrictions on the number of young passengers was the most selected (81%), followed by setting a minimum length of learning and hours of driving experience (71%).


Its a learning experience


Road Safety GB states that it has long supported the idea of GDL.


Responding to the survey results, Bill Smith, Road Safety GB’s director of communications, said: “While this represents nothing more than a simple survey, the overwhelming response in favour of the introduction of GDL is a big positive for road safety.


“GDL has been on the road safety agenda for a great number of years and to date no government has had the vision and action needed to deliver a robust scheme, or even trial some of the elements of a GDL scheme.


“Road Safety GB would encourage all political parties to include GDL within their manifestos in preparation for the next General Election.


“Saving lives on our roads should matter to everyone no matter what their political beliefs and perspectives are within society.”




Putting words into action


The idea of GDL has been gaining headlines in the media in recent weeks.


Earlier this month, Dr Ian Greenwood wrote an opinion piece for Road Safety News, describing the failure to introduce GDL as ‘a major flaw in British policymaking’.


Responding to the survey, Dr Greenwood said: “National travel surveys and research from the RAC Foundation have consistently included strong levels of public support to address the risk associated with young driver crashes. It is also clear that parents worry about their children being safe when becoming young and novice drivers.


“It is great to see Road Safety GB run the survey, and to learn that 85% of responders support a British GDL.


“This provides further evidence to national politicians that the need for a British GDL is well overdue and that there is good support for one. What is needed now is a panel of experts to design a British GDL and policy to reduce the devastation from young driver crashes.”