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West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime has joined with victims’ families to call for the introduction of Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL).
Alison Lowe’s sister Debbie was killed by a speeding lorry driver, and she believes that introducing GDL could avoid future tragedy.
The change is also being supported locally by: Ian Greenwood, whose daughter Alice, aged 12, was killed by a speeding driver.Clare O’Neill, whose daughter Alice, aged 9, was killed by a speeding driver who failed to stop at a red light.Tiffany Dustain, whose mother, Debbie, was killed in a crash. Tiffany, aged 3 years old at the time, was also in the vehicle and received serious injuries.Sarah Harrison, whose mother, Mary, was killed in a crash when a speeding car hit the taxi she was using.
The GDL system introduces certain conditions on new drivers for a period of time after passing their test.
This allows new drivers to gain experience, develop their skills and appreciation of road safety with the ultimate goal of reducing risks to themselves, passengers and other road users.
The victims’ families, from across West Yorkshire, said: “The ongoing impact and devastation of the death of a loved one in these circumstances cannot adequately be put into words.
“We want to do everything in our power to prevent it from happening to anyone else.
“Graduated Driving Licences offer one such opportunity, backing their introduction is an easy decision.”
Alison Lowe OBE, Chair of the West Yorkshire Vision Zero Partnership and Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said: “Five of us gathered at the memorial, the same number of people that needlessly die every day on UK roads.
“We’re clear here in West Yorkshire that a big change is needed and GDL has been proven to work, improving safety not only for drivers, but all road users.
“We’re far from alone in calling for GDL and it’s time Government acts on the advice of victims, road safety experts, charities and local leaders.”
Such schemes have been introduced in many other countries and is seen as a further step that could help protect people across West Yorkshire and nationally.
Conditions vary from country to country but could include a minimum learning period, limits on passenger numbers, and restrictions on driving at night.
West Yorkshire Vision Zero is the local partnership approach to road safety, seeking to end all road death and serious injuries in the county by 2040.
Show your support for keeping everyone safe on our roads by signing the Vision Zero Pledge. You can also dedicate your pledge in someone’s memory. Visit https://www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/vz-pledge.
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