The AA has responded to the publication of new research from the Department for Transport regarding measures to improve driver safety for younger motorists.

Coming in advance of a government Green Paper on the issue that will be published later this year, the new report puts forward a number of recommendations aimed at curbing the number of accidents on the UK's roads involving younger drivers.

It proposes the instigation of a new minimum 12-month learning period for new motorists, followed by a 12-month probationary period before a full licence is awarded – meaning the minimum age for fully-qualified new drivers would effectively be raised to 19.

Furthermore, green Pass plates would be legally required for all drivers who have recently passed their test for up to a period of 12 months, while the introduction of mandatory road safety modules into the national curriculum has also been suggested.

Edmund King, AA President, said: "There are many proposals in the report with merit and which are advocated by the AA. 

"However, at the extreme end this report could be seen as just recommending taking novice drivers off the road by regulation and restriction rather than helping them develop the right attitudes and skills to provide them with the mobility they need."

Other measures included in the report include a lifting of the prohibition of learner drivers on the nation's motorways, a lowering of the drink-drive limit for all drivers to 0.2mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, as well as restrictions on the hours when younger motorists can take to the roads.

Mr King concluded the report has raised a number of interesting and salient points about how best to tackle the issue of young driver safety, but these proposals now need careful consideration and debate before any concrete plan can be set in place to tackle this issue.

Indeed, issues concerning the fairness of such proposals now also need to be assessed, as for example, restrictions on driving for many young people may have an adverse impact on their ability to work.

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