LGV proposals spell danger for young drivers, according to Learn and Live

Learn and Live, the parents’ campaign group for safe driving tuition, is deeply concerned by Government proposals to allow 20 year olds to drive heavier and larger lorries.

"We see this as a sop to the road haulage industry, which is experiencing a shortage of drivers," said Vicki Stone, founder of Learn and Live. "Commercial interests have their place in policy development but the proposal to allow younger and less experienced drivers to be in sole charge of LGV lorries in Europe is asking for trouble.

"We already have a high crash rate among young and inexperienced car drivers," Mrs Stone added. "We can imagine the mayhem if we allow them access to such vehicles on our own roads - let alone foreign roads where they would have to cope with different road signs and driving on the right."

Mrs Stone dismissed claims that reducing the age for LGV drivers would have road safety benefits and suggested that only those with a vested interest believe this to be the case. She also highlighted the proposal to raise the number of faults allowed for trainees from zero to three as an erosion of road safety standards.

Consultation among Learn & Live members, who have lost children in road crashes, elicited particular concern about the lifestyle of some youngsters leading to tiredness. There is also concern that the size and bulk of these vehicles might also increase a younger driver’s sense of power.

Learn and Live was formed in 1989 by Vicki Stone following the death of her daughter in a road accident in which a learner driver ignored instructions from his newly qualified supervising driver. In 1990, in response to a high level of press and media interest, legislation was introduced requiring supervising drivers to be at least 21 and with three years’ experience as a full licence holder.

Further information is available on the Learn and Live Website: www.learnandlive.org.uk