Shrewsbury mother calls for graduated driving licences after son’s death
A grieving mother from Shrewsbury is urging the UK government to take action to reduce road deaths among young drivers.
Crystal Owen says GDLs could save lives by giving new drivers more experience before allowing them full driving freedoms.
She is urging the public to support her campaign, calling for the rest of the UK to follow Northern Ireland’s trial of the GDL system.
Speaking about the initiative, Crystal explained how devastating her son’s loss has been and said:
“No family should have to go through this."
"Graduated Driving Licences give young people the chance to learn safely, and it could prevent tragedies like Harvey’s.”
Her campaign is backed by evidence from other countries, which shows that restrictions on newly qualified drivers – such as lower passenger limits, curfews, and staged licensing – significantly reduce road deaths among young people.
In an interview, Crystal highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the risks for inexperienced drivers:
“We know the first year behind the wheel is the most dangerous. Graduated Driving Licences give young drivers a structured way to gain experience while keeping them and others safe on the road.”
While the UK government has emphasized driver education rather than licensing restrictions, Crystal hopes her campaign will encourage policymakers to reconsider the approach:
“Northern Ireland is trialing these measures, and it’s time the rest of the UK followed. We need action to protect our young people.”
Crystal is urging families and road safety advocates to participate in the ongoing government consultation before it closes, emphasizing that change starts with public support.