The UK Government will not implement graduated driving licenses to improve road safety for young drivers
Eryri: The UK Government has decided not to introduce graduated driving licenses. Minister Lilian Greenwood shared this news with MPs. The focus is on reducing deaths among drivers under 24.
Graduated driving licenses, or GDLs, help new drivers gain full driving privileges gradually. Many countries use this system, but the UK won’t adopt it.
This decision comes after Crystal Owen’s campaign for GDLs. She lost her son, Harvey, in a tragic accident. He was 17 and died while on a trip with friends.
Harvey and three others drowned when their car flipped into a ditch. They were missing for a day before their bodies were found near Garreg, Gwynedd.
Ms. Greenwood noted that young drivers, especially men aged 17 to 24, are at high risk for accidents. Despite an 80% decrease in fatalities since 1990, 90 deaths in 2023 is still too many.
While GDLs are off the table, the government is looking for ways to improve safety. They want to address the causes of accidents without punishing young drivers.
They aim to ensure young people can access jobs and education while staying safe on the roads.
