Parsley welcomes Moderator's backing for ideas to improve young driver safety

2.13.51pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 9th Oct 2006

Alliance Spokesperson on Youth Affairs, Ian James Parsley

Alliance Spokesperson on Youth Affairs, Ian James Parsley, has said the remarks by Presbyterian Moderator David Clarke show a head of steam has built up in favour of proposals to improve young driver safety first put before the Government over five years ago.

The North Down Councillor stated: "My support for restricting the power of vehicles driven by recently qualified drivers is on record as long ago as 2001, and these latest comments by Dr Clarke indicate the strength of feeling out there in favour of such proposals by responsible members of the community.

"The fact is you never stop learning on our roads, and there has to be a gradual move for any newly qualified driver towards any higher powered vehicles.

"It is now apparent to everyone that the R-plate restrictions placed on new drivers are ineffective and largely ignored. R-plates are an excellent idea, but the restrictions should apply to the power of the vehicles driven, and further driver training at the end of the first year on the road should be greatly encouraged, through financial incentives if

necessary.

"I strongly welcome the Moderator's intervention, among the many others we have seen this year after my campaign came to the media's attention in January. It is time we stopped dilly-dallying around this subject and implemented a system that really makes young people safer on our roads."

ENDS