The government has published a paper on how it plans to improve road safety levels in the country, and has said that they will open consultation on the 6 proposals over the coming year. Such proposals include an increase in penalties for drivers caught using their mobile phones, motorway training provided for all new drivers, a police grant to help increase the number of police that are on the streets enforcing laws, a cycle training grant, and a cycling safety consultation programme, as well as a driver education research programme.
It is currently illegal for drivers with a provisional licence to drive on the motorways, regardless of whether they have a skilled instructor with them or not. As a result, many new drivers end up in accidents once they hit these busy and fast roads for the first time. Under proposals, learner drivers would be allowed to have lessons on the motorway before taking their test, as long as they are in a dual controlled car and are accompanied by a trained instructor. Learners will not be allowed to use parents or friends to sit in the passenger seat, and while some will welcome this move, fleet drivers and other motoring groups may be less than enamoured.
Fines and penalties for using a mobile phone while behind the wheel could also increase. Under current laws, drivers that are found guilty receive a £100 fine and three penalty points on their licence. Proposed new laws would mean that repeat offenders will see the number of points their receive increase to 4, HGV and large vehicle drivers will receive 6 points, and all offenders will receive a higher fine of £150.
The government has also said that it will provide a £750m police grant to enable forces to send more traffic police out on patrol. Many drivers and motoring groups are concerned that speed cameras are being used rather than police, and that these cameras are unable to detect certain types of offence, such as dangerous or reckless driving. The grant would help ensure that there are more police on the roads.
