Northants couple calling for change as Parliament debate young driver deaths

A debate on road safety for young drivers has taken place in Westminster, with more calls for a graduated driving licensing system.

This can involve banning young drivers from getting behind the wheel at night or carrying passengers of a similar age, for a certain period after passing their test.

Northamptonshire mum and dad Chris and Nicole Taylor travelled to London as the activity took place today, Tuesday January 28th.

They've been campaigning since their daughter Becky died in a road incident when she was just 18 years old.

That was over 15 years ago, since which time they've joined others facing similar situations to try and prevent more tragic deaths.

"Forget me not Families Uniting" representatives spoke to us outside.

Chris and Nicole told us:

"Death of a young adult through a road collision is particularly isolating for the likes of us. There's no support for us in what we've gone through, and there can be lack of justice unless there's a crime involved."

In the debate, measures including a zero alcohol limit was mentioned. This could be introduced for young drivers.

Transport minister Lilian Greenwood said the Government is analysing the effectiveness of such a policy in other countries.

The drink-drive limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood.

Nowhere else in Europe has a limit above 50mg/100ml, and the Scottish Government reduced its limit to that level in 2014.

During a Westminster Hall debate on road safety for young drivers, Ms Greenwood also suggested the Government may consider introducing a minimum training period before learner drivers can take a test.

She 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."

Department for Transport (DfT) figures show 290 people were killed and 4,669 were seriously injured in crashes on Britain's roads in 2023 involving at least one driver aged 17-24.

Several European countries have an alcohol level of zero or near-zero for new drivers, such as France, Germany, Ireland and Portugal.

Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, said: "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."

Ms Greenwood said the department is also considering analysis on the effectiveness of other potential measures to improve safety for young and new drivers, including keeping a log book, extra hazard perception training, classroom-based education, mentoring and telematics, which uses technology to track driver behaviour.

But she ruled out introducing restrictions on young motorists through graduated driving licensing (GDL).

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