YOUNG and inexperienced drivers would face a blanket ban on powerful cars under radical new proposals.

Fleets should take responsibility for allocating cars according to experience to keep drivers safe on the road, a fleet supplier claims.

This would deal with the problem of drivers being able to take to the wheel of any car after passing their driving test, according to Tony Johnston, sales and marketing director for fleet specialist Velo.

He said: ‘Once drivers pass their test, they can legally step into and drive any car they are able to lay their hands on, however powerful.

‘Most people will have read a newspaper account of a young driver in a high-performance car being involved in a horrific accident.’

Unless they undergo further training, newly-qualified motorcycle riders are restricted to bikes with a maximum 33bhp for two years, but there are no similar controls for car drivers.

Johnston said: ‘Employers have a legal and moral responsibility to do everything possible to reduce both the likelihood and severity of accidents. With statistics showing that young and inexperienced drivers are more accident prone, it follows that they should be a particular focus of attention and control.

‘Limiting the engine size or power output of cars issued to such drivers is an obvious and easily enforceable preventative measure.’