ABI: One year learning period needed now to make London’s roads safer
The ABI (Association of British Insurers) today called for learner drivers in London to have to complete a minimum one year learning period before they take their driving test. More drivers between 17-21 are killed or seriously injured in London than anywhere else in England.
While young driver casualties have fallen in recent years, every week 10 young drivers are still killed or seriously injured on London’s roads. Latest figures show that Bromley has the highest casualty rate, with 31 young drivers killed or seriously injured in 2005, followed by Barnet (29) and Enfield (28).
At a meeting of MPs today (18 April ) the ABI set out its blueprint for improving road safety for young drivers in London, and throughout the UK:
– A minimum one-year learning period for all learners before they take their driving tests.
– A structured learning programme setting out minimum driving experience needed before the test.
– Restricting the number of passengers newly qualified drivers can carry in the first six months after passing their driving test.
Justin Jacobs, the ABI’s Head of Motor Insurance, said:
” London is a dangerous place for young drivers. Too many young drivers pass their test, but are unprepared for the hazards of driving on London’s roads. This lack of experience too often leads to tragedy. We need to better equip young learner drivers with the skills they need to stay alive and become tomorrow’s safer drivers.”
Notes for Editors
1. In 2005 (latest year) the highest number of road casualties of drivers aged 17 -25 were in:
Scotland ( 85 deaths, 570 serious injuries)
London (32 deaths, 493 serious injuries)
Wales (63 deaths, 331 serious injuries)
Essex (22 deaths, 212 serious injuries)
Lancashire (20 deaths, 206 serious injuries)
North Yorkshire (24 deaths, 155 serious injuries)
Cheshire (15 deaths, 144 serious injuries)
In 2005 throughout the UK almost 1200 young drivers were killed or seriously
injured – more than three every day.
2. The ABI is the trade association for Britain’s insurance industry. Its nearly 400 member companies provide over 91% of the insurance business in the UK. It represents insurance companies to the Government, and to the regulatory and other agencies, and is an influential voice on public policy and financial services issues. ABI member companies hold up to a sixth of all investments traded on the London Stock Exchange, on behalf of millions of pensioners and savers.
3. An ISDN line is available for broadcasts.
Copies of all ABI news releases, together with other information from the Association, can be seen on our website http://www.abi.org.uk
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