The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, Robert Goodwill MP, has announced a delay to the proposed Green Paper on young driver reforms which was due to be published before the Christmas recess.

The reforms aim to reduce the number of casualties on the road by introducing measures to make driving safer for young motorists.

Graeme Trudgill, executive director of the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA), said: "BIBA has been working for some time now with the Department for Transport on the proposals for the Green Paper. 

“Although we were hoping for the paper by the end of 2013, it is sensible that Government carefully considers the impact of some of the proposed measures and does not rush into a decision.

"Our members have reservations that some of the ideas, including those imposing restrictions on when young motorists are able to drive or how many occupants they are allowed to have in their vehicle, could have unintended consequences on young people, for example those working later hours or younger parents transporting relatives.

“These proposals could also be potentially difficult to enforce.

"BIBA has been working with the Government's Young Driver Working Group and is supporting a call for the age at which young people can start learning to drive to be lowered to 16 to extend the period of learning until they take their test at after they turn 17. This could better prepare young drivers for the challenges of modern roads.

"BIBA is also supporting an improved post-test driver course in conjunction with the Institute of Advanced Motorists and young driver training company Ultimate Car Control, to enable them to develop their driving skills and increase safety on the roads.

"We also believe the signposting work that has helped over 95,000 motorists and holidaymakers more easily access insurance since 2012 could be extended to help young drivers."
 

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