Anger as young driver plan rebuffed

22/11/11

By Peter Woodman

A Government refusal to place restrictions on young novice drivers sparked an angry response from insurance companies today.

The Association of British Insurers had called for a zero alcohol limit for young drivers as well as a ban on their driving between 11pm and 4am.

But responding to this, Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said the Government was not proposing to place any restrictions on new drivers.

He said the Government did not want to "unfairly penalise responsible young people who rely on driving to get to work or college".

ABI director of general insurance Nick Starling said: "Ministers have failed to grasp real reform with the result that claims have continued to rise and costs of insurance for young drivers have become too high. Insurers are exploring black-box technology to help bring down costs for young drivers, but we can't do this on our own."

Drivers under the age of 25 should have a minimum one-year learning period before taking their driving test, the ABI also said.

Newly qualified drivers aged under 25 should hold a graduated driving licence for two years and then have to take a second test.