Graduated Driver Licensing a long overdue but welcome step for road safety - McCrossan

WEST Tyrone SDLP MLA., Daniel McCrossan, has said the introduction of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) represents a positive and long overdue step forward for road safety in Northern Ireland.

The legislation was originally brought forward in 2016 by then SDLP Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan, but has taken almost a decade to finally be implemented.

The changes include the removal of the 45mph speed limit for learner drivers on motorways, alongside new restrictions on late-night driving and passenger numbers for newly qualified young drivers.

Daniel McCrossan said: "Too many families across the North have been devastated by the loss of loved ones on our roads, with a deeply worrying rise in fatalities in recent years, particularly involving young drivers.

"Nobody wants to demonise young people, but we do have a responsibility to ensure new drivers are properly supported and protected as they gain experience.

"Graduated Driver Licensing is a sensible, evidence-based approach that has been proven elsewhere to reduce serious collisions.

"It is legislation the SDLP fought for in government, and it is deeply frustrating that it has taken almost ten years to be implemented because of political collapse and dysfunction at Stormont."

He continued: "Had this been introduced when it should have been, injuries could have been prevented and lives could have been saved. That delay carries a very real human cost.

"While GDL will not solve every road safety issue on its own, it is an important foundation.

"It must now be backed up by strong enforcement, proper public awareness campaigns and continued investment in safer roads and infrastructure.

"The SDLP will continue to push for a comprehensive, joined-up approach to road safety that tackles dangerous driving, improves road design and ensures fewer families have to endure the heartbreak of losing someone they love.”