Motorway driving proposal causes RHA concern

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) is concerned that proposals to allow learner drivers to use the country's motorway network, prior to passing their driving test, could soon become a reality.

"This is an issue that raises many concerns," said RHA chief executive Geoff Dunning. "However, safety, for the learner driver and for other road users, has to be of paramount importance.

"While we are not in favour of learners drivers using the motorway prior to their test, we would welcome the introduction of formal motorway training by a qualified instructor before new drivers venture out unsupervised.

"We would also welcome the mandatory use of green P-Plates for newly qualified drivers and consider that their use should be included in the New Drivers Act.

"P-Plates provide a simple, safe and cost effective method of showing others that there's a new driver on the road who should be given due consideration."

The New Drivers Act affects drivers that passed their driving test on or after June 1, 1997. A driver who receives six or more penalty points on their licence within two years of passing their driving test will have their licence revoked by the DVLA.