Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Improving Driver Safety

11 January 2023 · 3 other contributors · 4,424 words

Opened by Andrea Leadsom Con South Northamptonshire

Responding minister: Richard Holden

Transport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Andrea Leadsom raised concerns about improving driver safety in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Andrea Leadsom highlighted that young drivers, who make up 7% of full driving licence holders, were involved in 23% of fatal and serious collisions in the UK in 2019.
  • The AA survey indicated that road deaths account for 17% of deaths among five to 19-year-olds.
  • Leadsom recommended a minimum learning period of 50 hours or six months before taking the practical driving test and a restriction on carrying young passengers for up to a year after obtaining a licence.

Key requests to Government

Leadsom called for new arrangements for young people as they learn to drive and become used to busy roads. She recommended a minimum learning period of 50 hours or six months before taking the practical driving test, and a waiting period of up to a year before carrying other young passengers. Additionally, she suggested restricting driving between midnight and 4 am due to increased collision risks during these times.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Andrea Leadsom Con South Northamptonshire

Andrea Leadsom highlighted the tragic impact of car accidents on young drivers and passengers. She mentioned that while young drivers account for only 7% of full driving licence holders, they were involved in 23% of fatal and serious collisions in the UK in 2019. The AA survey showed that road deaths are a significant risk to teenagers, accounting for 17% of deaths among five to 19-year-olds. Leadsom also cited evidence from Radd Seiger's campaign showing that young drivers are more likely to be involved in collisions when carrying similar-aged passengers, with 25% of casualties among those aged 17 to 24 being passengers.

Other contributors (3)
  • Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Stamford

    Ms Kearns supports the call for a graduated driving licence, citing an incident where Emily Challen was killed by her friend who had only held a license for eight months. She emphasises that young drivers must understand the significance of protecting their friends and loved ones on the road. Stresses the importance of driver responsibility over road infrastructure and asks for consideration of rurality when assessing safety upgrades to junctions, citing the A52 at Bottesford in her constituency.

  • Barry Sheerman Lab Huddersfield

    Mr Sheerman apologises for being late due to a chemotherapy session and stresses the importance of supporting young drivers during their first 1,000 miles. He notes that globally, death on the roads is the leading cause of fatalities among children and young people. Calls for continued emphasis on compulsory seatbelt legislation and raises concern over the increase in deaths due to not wearing a seatbelt, which is a factor in 30% of car fatalities. Also highlights the work of Brake, a road safety charity based in his constituency.

  • Greg Mulholland LD Leeds North West

    Greg Mulholland acknowledged the importance of the debate and supported Leadsom's constituents' campaign for measures like a minimum learning period, restrictions on carrying young passengers, and driving time limitations.

Government Response

Richard Holden

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend the Member for South Northamptonshire (Dame Andrea Leadsom) for opening this debate on improving driver safety, offering condolences to bereaved families who lost loved ones in road traffic incidents, and highlighting the issue of road deaths being a significant threat to young people's lives. The Minister commends all families affected by such incidents for their bravery and determination. He reassures hon. Members that the Government take road safety very seriously, with reducing fatalities and serious injuries as key priorities. The Minister acknowledges the progress made in seatbelt compliance but notes that 30% of deaths are still related to non-compliance, which is unacceptable. He also mentions his support for initiatives like Project EDWARD—Every Day Without A Road Death—and the Livia award, recognising excellence in road fatality investigation. Addressing young drivers' overrepresentation in collisions, the Minister highlights that young drivers account for around 6% of licence holders but around 22% of fatal and serious collisions. Fatalities among young drivers have fallen from what they were in 1990 but are still high at 78 fatalities in 2021. The Government's focus is on making roads safer, particularly for new and novice drivers through technology, research, better learning opportunities, and targeted messaging. The Minister mentions the ongoing graduated learning scheme trial by the Driving Instructors Association (DIA) to assess a modular approach to driving instruction. Research projects such as Driver2020 involving around 16,000 new drivers and 12,000 novice drivers are underway to understand what works best for young drivers. The project includes mentor agreement, mutually agreed driving restrictions, a log book, telematics-based app, classroom-based tuition, and hazard protection training. The Minister discusses the road safety strategic framework aiming to establish a safe system approach that recognises shared responsibility in collisions and accepts that people make mistakes. This approach supports indicators on casualty reduction and has been adopted by other countries for significant reductions in road deaths and casualties. Additionally, over £100 million has been provided since 2018 for the safer roads fund to improve dangerous roads, many of which are rural, with more announcements expected soon.

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