Millions of motorists in Britain aged between 17 and 24 could soon be subject to three significant new restrictions on their driving licences. The proposed changes follow the launch of a major road safety campaign aimed at reducing the disproportionate number of collisions involving young people.
The Protect Young Drivers Campaign Launch
The Protect Young Drivers campaign was officially unveiled at Westminster during Road Safety Week. The event saw a coalition of MPs, Police and Crime Commissioners, emergency services, insurers, researchers, and bereaved families come together to address the issue. Road Safety Minister Lilian Greenwood attended, highlighting the Labour government's focus on the matter.
Rebecca Morris, who developed the campaign's website with the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), stated the initiative marks a significant new phase. "It brings together dedicated cross-sector colleagues from across the UK," she said, describing it as more than just a website but a shared resource of evidence and lived experience.
The Stark Statistics Behind the Push for Change
The campaign is driven by alarming data. In Britain, 24% of all fatal or serious injury collisions involve drivers aged 17 to 24. The impact extends far beyond those behind the wheel.
In 2024 alone, nearly 5,000 people were killed or seriously injured in crashes where at least one driver was young. This figure includes pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users with no connection to the young driver.
What is Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL)?
The campaign is calling for the introduction of a Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL) system in the UK, a model already saving lives in nations like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. GDL typically introduces new drivers to the road gradually, with stricter initial conditions.
The three core measures often associated with GDL systems are:
- A restriction on driving during late-night hours.
- Limits on carrying passengers of a similar age.
- A mandatory minimum learning period before taking the practical test.
The international evidence is compelling. In Canada, deaths among 16 to 19-year-old drivers fell by 83% after GDL was adopted nationwide. New South Wales in Australia saw a 55% reduction in fatal crashes among probationary drivers following stronger GDL rules, while New Zealand recorded a 23% drop in injury collisions for 15 to 19-year-olds.
Tailoring the System for the UK
Advocates stress that GDL is not a rigid, one-size-fits-all model. They argue it can be carefully designed to suit the UK's specific needs. The goal is to ensure young people can still learn to drive and gain vital independence, while systematically reducing the heightened risk they face during the most dangerous early phase of their driving lives.
The campaign's launch signals a potential turning point in UK road safety policy, with the government now actively examining evidence-based solutions to a long-standing problem.
