WATCH: Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander on plans to require Britons to be taught about high-risk driving
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Graduated Driving Licences would impose restrictions on newly-qualified drivers
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Almost one in five young drivers have been involved in an accident during the first year on the road, with experts urging Labour to introduce new restrictions.
According to new research, nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of young drivers have had two or more accidents in their first year of passing their test.
Data from the Department for Transport found that young male drivers aged 17 to 24 are four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured on UK roads.
With young drivers disproportionately represented in road traffic collisions, the demand for Graduated Driving Licences has grown.
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Reports found that young male drivers aged 17 to 24 are four times more likely to be killed
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A new study has revealed that almost three in five motorists would support the introduction of a newly qualified driving restrictions.
The scheme would prohibit new drivers under the age of 25 from carrying passengers of the same age group during the first six months after passing their test.
Almost three-quarters (71 per cent) of motorists aged over 65 were found to be in favour of the scheme being introduced, compared with just 30 per cent of drivers under 25.
Paul Baxter, CEO of The Green Insurer, said: "Our findings would appear to support the fact that the first year behind the wheel is often the riskiest for new drivers, while they gain real-life experience on the road.
Experts have warned that young drivers are more likely to be involved in a road collision
PA"Gaining a driving licence is an important part of growing up and gaining independence, especially for young people living in rural areas or in places with poor public transport.
"There is a delicate balance to be reached in the early years of driving. But ultimately, the safety of our young people has to come first."
He explained that the wider public appears to be "increasingly in favour" of the introduction of additional measures that could see a reduction in the risks associated with inexperienced motorists.
At the beginning of the year, a debate about road safety among young drivers was held in Westminster Hall. It was led by Julia Buckley, Labour MP for Shrewsbury, who called on the Government to introduce new restrictions.
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In response Lilian Greenwood, Future of Roads minster said: "Although we are not considering Graduated Driving Licences, we absolutely recognise that young people are disproportionately the victims of tragic collisions on our roads, which is why we are exploring options to tackle the root causes of the issue without unfairly penalising young drivers."
Greenwood explained that the Government want young people to access employment, education and other opportunities "while keeping them safe on the roads".
She shared that due to the majority of road crashes being avoidable, the Department for Transport is currently developing a new road safety strategy, which will be the first in over a decade.
"We will adopt a safe system approach, we need all partners working together, policymakers, road engineers and designers, vehicle manufacturers, the police and road users," she added.
The Future of Roads minister said the Government has no plans to introduce new restrictions for drivers
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Baxter warned that the need for restrictions is highlighted by the fact that many newly qualified drivers have had only a few hours of driving with an instructor before they passed their test and are then unleashed on UK roads.
"We know that many families are willing to let younger members of the family get valuable driving practice and experience behind the wheel of the family car in preparation for their test," he stated.