House of Commons · Westminster Hall
28 January 2025 · 28 other contributors · 13,925 words
Opened by Julia Buckley Lab Shrewsbury
Responding minister: Lilian Greenwood
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Julia Buckley raised concerns about road safety: young drivers in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Implement preventive measures such as improved road maintenance, infrastructure, education about specific driving skills for rural roads, and additional learning during the probationary period. Additionally, prioritise public transport infrastructure to give young people options and reduce their need to drive at a very young age.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
290 young people were killed in road collisions in the UK in 2023, and nearly one quarter of all road collisions involved young people. In rural areas like Shrewsbury, there were nearly 1,000 deaths on rural roads that year, with collisions on rural roads being four times more likely to end in a fatality due to unique hazards such as livestock or agricultural vehicles, poor visibility and road quality.
Between 2004 and 2023, fatalities involving younger drivers decreased by 60%, but last year road traffic accidents still claimed the lives of 1,624 people across the UK. Alison advocates for an updated road safety strategy to focus on rural areas where 60% of fatal collisions occur.
Requested an intervention from Greg Smith regarding cross-party support for road safety initiatives.
Highlights road safety concerns in Shipley with 183 reported injuries and one fatality on roads in 2023. Supports the West Yorkshire Vision Zero strategy to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2040.
Acknowledges that driving is an important life skill but expresses serious concerns about safety, especially on A roads with dangerous junctions. Proposes graduated driving licences to reduce risks for young drivers. Asked the hon. Member to give way, commenting on the need for cross-party support in road safety campaigns.
The MP shared a tragic story involving his constituents' daughter Eleanor Grace McGrath, who was killed by a newly qualified driver showing off to friends. He calls for the implementation of a P plate system to encourage space and prevent new drivers from showing off.
Acknowledges the issue of road safety and the impact of losing someone so young; mentions incidents in Harlow since 2018.
Highlights Olivia’s tragic story from Efenechtyd, demonstrating the need for a graduated driving licence scheme to save lives on rural roads. Commends North Wales Police and schools for using Olivia's story as a warning.
Cited a case where an older driver caused a fatality and suggested that cognitive tests should be considered for drivers over 80 years old.
The MP supports a graduated approach to learning to drive, citing New Zealand's success with reduced accidents for people between 15-24 by implementing a graduated driver's license.
Freddie joins in commemorating constituents lost and highlights the particular hazards that drivers face on rural roads, including darkness, narrowness, higher speed limits and other dangers. He suggests looking specifically at the dangers on rural roads.
Greg expresses sympathy for families who have lost loved ones in road accidents and emphasises the importance of preventing future deaths and injuries to make our roads safer. Discussed measures to improve road safety without restricting driving freedoms, highlighting the importance of ensuring drivers have the skills required for safe driving under various conditions.
Agreed with the need for putting public transport infrastructure in place to give young people options and reduce their reliance on driving at a very young age.
The MP supports the call for a graduated licence scheme, highlighting that in Suffolk 38% of collisions involved young drivers behind the wheel.
A constituent’s 17-year-old son died in a collision. There are challenges with implementing graduated driving licences, particularly affecting less affluent young people who rely on cars for work or transportation savings.
Emphasises the importance of education in preventing road accidents and supports initiatives like Warwickshire county council's safe and active schools programme.
The MP shared a story about Sonny Crane, who was killed in a road traffic accident. He calls for the Minister to look into best practices on young driver safety used in other countries and detail how the Government are supporting local leaders and communities.
Asked about preventing young drivers from speeding through fixed speed cameras, noting that three serious accidents or deaths must occur before installation according to current government guidance.
Cited the case of her constituent Sharron Huddleston, who lost her daughter in 2017 and campaigns for restrictions on passengers carried by young drivers and night-time driving.
Congratulated the hon. Member and highlighted the work of charity groups like Life After in supporting families bereaved by road traffic accidents, suggesting education could help prevent future incidents.
Asked the hon. Gentleman about restrictions on driving freedom, referencing a case where a daughter's freedom was taken away forever.
Speaks about the devastating loss experienced by constituents due to road accidents, urging for legislative change through graduated driving licensing schemes.
Discusses recent tragic accidents in Birmingham Erdington and highlights the need for immediate action on road safety. Supports the implementation of a graduated driving licence scheme.
Shares the story of a tragic accident involving young drivers in Suffolk, advocating for a UK version of Tom’s law. Supports stricter rules for new drivers to reduce accidents.
Discusses the importance of cars for young people in rural areas, mentioning statistics on accidents involving young drivers.
Local transport links are not good enough, making driving necessary for young people's independence. There is a need for policies that push for young people to wear seatbelts and have experience in dark driving conditions before passing the test.
Supports the concept of restricted driving and mentions that in Northern Ireland, newly qualified drivers must display an R plate and are limited to 45 mph for one year after passing their test.
Thanked Members and bereaved families, noted consideration of Harvey’s hammer device and local initiative by the hon. Member for Tewkesbury.
Recalls past tragedies and highlights the disproportionate risk faced by young male car drivers. Proposes a two-year probation period with additional rules such as lower drink-drive limits to improve road safety.
Government Response
Lilian GreenwoodThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
It is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair this morning, Sir Desmond. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Shrewsbury on securing the debate and thank her for continuing to raise the vital issue of road safety. It is clear from the number of hon. Members present that this is an issue of huge public concern... The latest statistics show that the number of young drivers killed on our roads has fallen by 80% since 1990, but we cannot be complacent as 90 deaths in 2023 are still too many. We are exploring options to tackle root causes without unfairly penalising young drivers... Our THINK! campaign does important work to encourage safer attitudes and behaviours among young drivers. Improving our roads, changing speed limits and installing speed cameras are decisions for local traffic authorities, but partnerships at a local level are essential...