New Drivers Under 25 Could Be Banned From Carrying Other Young Passengers

New rules proposed by road safety lobbyists will be reportedly discussed by roads minister Richard Holden to ban new drivers under 25 from giving lifts, until they have driven for a full year by themselves

Roads minister Richard Holden has reportedly said that he will take into consideration calls from road safety lobbyists to ban young drivers from giving lifts to friends, if they have recently passed their driving test and are under 25. This ban would last for a full year in order to let the new driver get some experience behind the wheel before carrying passengers.

These particular rules were already discussed under Theresa May's previous government, but ended up being ruled out due to how they would impact young drivers. But the discussion has come back again due to road safety lobbyists saying that young drivers continue to be the reason for crashes.

Simon Williams, a road safety spokesman for the RAC has said:

"Young people, and especially young men, continue to be massively over-represented in road collision statistics, so introducing restrictions that are gradually reduced over the first few years of driving may be one of the measures needed to bring the dreadful numbers down."

"It’s important any graduated driver licensing scheme doesn’t disadvantage young people who depend on their cars for work, so a balance needs to be struck."

The RAC has said perhaps an outright year ban might be too harsh and that maybe newly passed drivers under 25 could be banned from carrying other young passengers during certain times. For example, after 10pm at night when people are more likely to drink and drive or on particular days like Friday or Saturday. 

They've also said a tougher drink drive limit and tougher rules on being caught might dissuade young people from getting behind the wheel after a few drinks.

Parliament are due to discuss the future of this particular ruling next month, with roads minister Holden expected to announce plans for amendments and updates to the Road Traffic New Drivers Act on May 16th.