A senior police official in the West Midlands has launched a direct appeal to the Government, demanding the introduction of radical new driving licence rules aimed at protecting young motorists.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, has written to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, calling for the creation of a 'progressive driving licence' system for newly qualified drivers. The proposed measures would see strict new curbs imposed for a set period after passing the test.
What Would the New Restrictions Involve?
The proposed system includes two major changes designed to mitigate the statistically high risks faced by young, inexperienced drivers. First, it would introduce a late-night driving curfew, banning new drivers from the roads during specific high-risk hours.
Secondly, it would prohibit new drivers from carrying passengers of a similar age for several months. This aims to reduce distractions and peer pressure, which are known factors in serious accidents involving young people.
Why is the Police Commissioner Taking Action?
Mr Foster, who was elected in 2021, stated that reducing fatal and serious collisions has been a top priority for him. He warned that young drivers are disproportionately likely to be involved in deadly crashes and described the current lack of action as "unacceptable."
He argues that these "urgently needed" changes would bring the UK into line with successful schemes already operating in countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. These international precedents, he says, offer proven and proportionate solutions.
What is the Government's Current Stance?
Despite the forceful appeal from the West Midlands PCC, Government ministers have indicated that there are no current plans to implement progressive driving licences. Mr Foster is urging a urgent rethink, insisting that the Government must "seize this opportunity" to enhance its Road Safety Strategy and save young lives.
He frames the proposal not just as a set of restrictions, but as a shift towards better-supported training and a more gradual, safer introduction to full driving privileges for new motorists across the UK.
