Parsley demands urgent review of 'R'-plate system for young drivers

4.02.08pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 31st Jul 2006

Alliance North Down Councillor, Ian Parsley

North Down Alliance Councillor Ian James Parsley has called for immediate changes to the 'R'-plate system for young drivers. He said the implementation of proposals made to the Government as long ago as 2001 would solve the difficulties with it.

Cllr Parsley, who chairs the party's youth wing, stated: "The 45mph restriction on young drivers is self-defeating and frankly dangerous. When young people say the system stops them gaining experience at higher speeds and that, in any case, driving at 45mph on a motorway is simply unrealistic, they are right.

"Once again the system falls into the trap of assuming that speed in itself is dangerous. In fact, inappropriate speed it - it is often more dangerous to drive 40mph on a country road than 70mph on a motorway, yet the system only restricts the latter.

"The 'R'-plate system is, in principle, a very good idea. But the restrictions should apply to the capacity of the vehicle driven (to stop inexperienced drivers or riders using high-powered cars or motorcycles straight away) and to the penalties enforced. More encouragement for advanced driver tuition would also help. But restrictions on speed, in itself, do not work and can have quite the opposite effect from that intended."

Cllr Parsley added that he hoped the £400 million investment in Northern Ireland's roads would help road safety: "I am encouraged that some major routes will be upgraded to dual carriageway, and that there will extra grade-separated flyovers. These assist road safety. However, I remain concerned at the cuts to the budget for road maintenance and at the further apparent failure to encourage greater use of public transport, particularly in suburban areas. Better road maintenance and greater use particularly of trains would also help our road safety record."

ENDS