The Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) has seen an increasing level of public concern around young driver safety, as a petition calling for the introduction of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) approaches 100,000 signatures. The petition, started by Crystal Owen following the tragic loss of her son, Harvey, and his friends in a collision in November 2023, seeks additional measures to improve the safety of young drivers.
The petition proposes that learner drivers complete a minimum six-month learning period, before being eligible for a practical test, ensuring they gain experience across a variety of road types and conditions. It also suggests that for six months after passing their test (or until they turn 20, depending on which comes first) newly qualified drivers should not carry passengers aged 25 or under. unless accompanied by an older adult. The GDL proposal also cites that breaching this condition would result in six penalty points, triggering an immediate licence suspension and a requirement to retake the driving test.
The SERP supports the use of evidence-based measure that will prevent deaths and serious injuries on our roads. In countries where GDL is in place, young driver fatalities have been cut by as much as 40%. In countries with GDL in place, various exemptions are applied to ensure young people are not prevented from accessing education and employment. Locally, data shows that 43% of collisions involving 16–25-year-old car occupants in Essex occur between 9pm and 4am, compared to just 16% for those aged 26 and over. Additionally, 62% of passengers injured in cars driven by young drivers were of a similar age to the driver.
The SERP is actively working to reduce young driver collisions through education, enforcement, and awareness campaigns. Initiatives such as the #MySmallChange campaign and targeted education in schools and colleges empower young drivers to make safer decisions behind the wheel. The SERP also encourages families to adopt GDL-style practices voluntarily, including limiting passengers and avoiding night time driving.
For more information on young driver safety, visit: www.saferessexroads.org/young-drivers
