North MSP claims restricted driving licence would save lives and money
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A RESTRICTED form of driving licence for new drivers could save up to 22 lives a year and around £80 million for the Scottish economy.
That is the claim of Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart who would like to see a graduated licence scheme introduced in Scotland. The scheme would put some constraints on new drivers and improve their training and skills.
Mr Stewart, of the North of Scotland Driver Awareness Team, said: “We are here to stay and we are going to enhance and support other road safety groups and organisations, working to make roads in the Highlands and Islands safer.
“Of course, many young drivers are not going to be thrilled over such a prospect of a form of restricted licence. They just want to get out there and drive, but I would appeal to them to listen to what we are proposing, come on board and work with me and my team.”
He added: “There is no doubt in my mind that improved training and a form of restricted licence is the way to go in this country.
“America, New Zealand and Australia and France all have similar systems and they cannot all be wrong surely. I will keep pushing the UK transport minister on this matter. It is too important to ignore.”
Mr Stewart said the projected saving of lives and millions for the Scottish economy has come as a result of 10 years of research carried out by Dr Sarah Jones, of Cardiff University.
