Petition calls for harsher penalties for learner driver 'abuse' (video)

UK driving instructors are backing a nationwide campaign which aims to impose harsher penalties on road users who 'abuse' learner drivers.

The petition, launched by learner driver insurers, Marmalade, which has achieved 10.6k signatures (to-date), is calling for change to penalties issued on the road in circumstances where learners are intimidated or abused.

Marmalade’s research which surveyed more than 1,000 learner drivers and more than 400 driving instructors from across the UK revealed every four-in-five learner drivers (81%) have experienced abuse and intimidation from other road users while driving.

Andy Harding of Andy Harding Driving School said: “Dangerous driving in the proximity of learners can really have a detrimental effect in more ways than one. Many of my students are young people and aggression on the roads can be extremely daunting when added to the stress of learning to drive a vehicle.

“I have posted videos and messages on social media in the past to highlight the issue and to make people aware that it isn’t nice to treat learners in such a way. All this receives is comments from trolls who do nothing but post their opinions about how we shouldn’t be on the road in the first place forgetting they were once in that position.”

More than half (59%) of driving instructors say dangerous driving has increased since the start of the pandemic resulting in one-in-eight learner drivers quitting driving completely.

The report found that 99% of driving instructors UK-wide have witnessed abuse directed at their pupils, with 61% of respondents reporting the most incidents at roundabouts and 32% at traffic lights.

According to the report, the intimidation is leading to an increase in errors on the road, with 72% of instructors saying learners are making more mistakes following abuse on the roads.

Paul Baxter, managing director at Marmalade, said: “This issue means a lot to us and is something we feel incredibly passionate about. It’s something that impacts most of our customer base which means we have a responsibility to help.

“That’s why we’re calling on the Government to help - our research found that 54% of all respondents would support on-the-spot fines for abuse, with 50% suggesting anger management courses and 35% backing three penalty points.

“Everyone who drives has been a learner before, so they should be able to empathise with the struggles of learner drivers and feel compelled to help by signing this petition.”