Tag: driving

Motoring experts warn: You’re using your aircon wrong

Drivers are being told they have been using the air conditioning in their car all wrong as the weather heats up across the UK.

The motoring experts at LeaseLoco.com have revealed that air conditioning for short car journeys is actually ineffective and have shared six ways to use the feature efficiently.

Using air conditioning on short journeys can actually increase a car’s fuel consumption by up to 10%.*

This is because air conditioning can take a while to circulate properly as the system needs time to cool down the air that is going to be pushed through the vents. 

If your car has been sitting in the sun it can take even longer to cool everything down due to the warmer temperatures.

The experts state that when driving at speeds under 40mph on short journeys, rolling down the window is the best and quickest way to cool down in the car and won’t use up any fuel.

Going faster than 40mph with the windows open can create a lot of drag, causing your car to work harder.

John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco.com said: “When you turn the AC on in your car it can take a while for the system to get going because it needs to make the refrigerant cold. This is the fluid that is used to cool the air.

“Once the fluid is cool, it’s then blown through the vents to cool the car down but replacing all of that warm air can take some time. It can take even longer if your car has been parked in the sun previously. 

“This makes your car hotter and means the air conditioning has to work even harder in cooling the car down which is why it’s best to park in the sun or use sunshades. 

“If you’re on a short journey and you’re driving under 40mph, you’re actually better off just opening the window to cool down rather than waiting for the aircon to kick in. It’ll be much more efficient and you won’t be using any more fuel.

“If you’re driving in an area that exceeds 40mph then you’ll want to switch to using air conditioning. Driving at higher speeds with your windows open can create a drag which will make your engine work much harder and will ultimately cause your car to use more fuel.”

SIX ways to use your air conditioning efficiently:

Air out the car first

If you have been parked in the sun and your car is particularly warm, consider rolling the windows down for a bit first before putting your air conditioning on. This will cool down the car, which means the aircon will have less work to do and will begin to fill your car with cool air quicker.

Start driving

Aircon works best when your engine is running so start the car up and begin driving for a few minutes before turning it on.

Use the recirculation button

Pressing the recirculation button in your car while the aircon is on will mean that your car will reuse the cool air already inside instead of constantly pulling new, hot air from outside. 

Don’t set it to maximum straight away

When you’re hot and bothered, it can be tempting to turn up the aircon on full blast in the hopes of cooling down, but this is actually much less efficient. Instead, start the aircon on medium and gradually increase it.

Keep the windows up

If you’re driving with the aircon on then it’s important to keep your windows closed. Having them open means that all of that cool air is escaping, which makes your aircon less effective and causes your car to use more fuel.

Park in the shade if possible

Where possible, try to park your car out of the sun and in a shady spot instead. This will help keep your car cooler so that when you get into it, the aircon has less work to do. If your driveway naturally gets a lot of sun, consider using a sunshade on your car.

LeaseLoco is the UK’s biggest car lease comparison website, making it super quick and easy for drivers to filter and compare millions of deals from the UK’s leading car leasing companies to best suit their needs.

Motorists warned of surge in car cloning crimes

Motorists are being warned of the rise in car cloning crimes, amid a worrying increase in vehicle identity theft.

Car insurance comparison experts from Quotezone.co.uk have urged drivers to stay alert, avoid posting images of their car online and park in garages when possible to minimise the risk of car cloning.

This comes after an investigation revealed a 64% surge in car cloning in London alone.

The crime is a form of fraud and involves stealing or copying another person’s car registration plates, allowing criminals to run up fines for speeding, driving through low emission zones or to hide the identity of stolen or salvaged vehicles.

Number plates can be physically stolen or purchased through fraudulent suppliers.

Those who have fallen victim to car cloning will start to receive fines for crimes they have not committed, and proving innocence can be difficult, so it’s important to understand ways to prevent cloning.

The car insurance experts also say people can fall victim to car cloning through buying a used cloned vehicle, which can lead to significant legal and financial problems which could see motorists losing the car and the money they paid for it.

Motorists are not able to completely prevent car cloning, but there are some things which can help minimise the risk, including parking in a garage whenever possible, or using a car cover so your number plate is not easily visible.

The experts are advising motorists to be careful with what they post online, as images including number plates can make your vehicle more susceptible to criminals.

Those buying used cars must also be careful and make sure to check all car details beforehand. Make sure all VINs on the vehicle match each other and those in the logbook.

Anyone concerned they may be buying a cloned car should run the registration number, make and model of the car through the DVLAs vehicle enquiry service.

Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert at Quotezone said: “The sharp rise in car cloning across London is very worrying and highlights a need for more awareness around the crime, as all drivers are susceptible to this growing type of fraud.

“Car cloning is not just a minor inconvenience – it can have serious legal and financial consequences for victims, who often find themselves receiving fines or penalty points for offences they had no part in.

“In some cases, people have unknowingly bought cloned vehicles and lost both the car and the money they paid for it.  An increase in penalty points can also increase insurance premiums from 5-25%, depending on the number of points accrued. 

“Unfortunately, there is no way to completely prevent car cloning, but there are ways motorists can minimise the risk. It’s also not sensible to share pictures of your vehicle online where the number plate is clearly visible – social media can be a goldmine for those looking to illegally copy registration details.

“While insurance companies can’t prevent car cloning, some may offer advice and assistance with legal expenses – which may help if you’ve unknowingly purchased a cloned vehicle, just be sure to check the policy details to see what’s included.

“If you suspect your vehicle has been cloned it’s important to report it to the police, DVLA and your insurer immediately and consider getting a new registration number.”

Drivers can now experience the most convenient parking experience at Q-Park car parks in Edinburgh 

PayByPhone, a global leader in mobile parking payments, is now available in the majority of Q-Park parking garages including in OMNI, Quartermile and Capital Square in Edinburgh.

Drivers across Edinburgh are being urged to opt into the PayByPhone Auto Payment function now to take advantage of the most convenient parking experience.   

By opting in to Auto Payment, drivers can enter not only the local Q-Park car parks but also most Q-Park car park across the UK without taking a ticket, and when they are ready to leave, go straight to their vehicle, by-passing the payment kiosk and any queues. ANPR camera technology scans the number plate as the car enters allowing the entry barrier to rise.

As the car approaches the car park exit, the number plate is scanned again, and the barrier rises. PayByPhone automatically takes payment from the driver’s preferred payment method that has been previously set up in the app. Digital receipts are emailed to the driver. 

Adam Dolphin, Managing Director UK for PayByPhone, says, “We are delighted to be able to bring our decades of experience in simplifying a driver’s journey to Q-Park car parks in Edinburgh.

Our Auto Payment feature, which we have been successfully providing to car parks since 2019, creates a seamless experience for drivers, helping to simplify the parking experience. They don’t have to touch their phone or even open our app. They just drive in and drive out; it’s a time-saver. We encourage drivers in Edinburgh to opt into Auto Payment for Q-Park in settings in the app today.” 

EV drivers can also enjoy added convenience at most Q-Park facilities by paying for their EV charging directly through the PayByPhone app. Charging sessions can be managed remotely in real time and all charging history is saved in the app for easy reference.    

Dolphin says, “Because our app lets motorists handle both parking and charging in one place, they benefit from a seamless experience and a more complete view of their motoring costs so everyday journeys are simpler, smarter and more connected.” 

The app is available in 11 languages, making it inclusive for all users.  

For a full list of areas where PayByPhone is available, and to start using it today, download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store or visit the PayByPhone website visit www.paybyphone.co.uk.

Follow PayByPhone on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Taxi of Mum and Dad: Scottish parents driving their young adult kids 135 times per year!

  • New research from Auto Trader reveals 57% of Scottish young adults still rely on their parents for transportation
  • Scottish parents are making an average of 2.6 journeys per week, covering 25.9 miles
  • Rising costs are a key reason holding young adults back from learning to drive

Auto Trader, the UK’s largest automotive marketplace, spoke to 2,000 parents of children aged 18 and over, to uncover how often they’re providing transportation and the impact it has on their day to day lives.

Over half (57%) of Scottish parents surveyed said they provide transportation for their adult children, with 7% being asked on a weekly basis. 

The study revealed that Scottish parents are providing transportation an average of 2.6 times per week which works out at 135 trips per year. The average weekly mileage for parents transporting their adult children was 25.9 or 1,346 miles a year. 

When asked why their children were reliant on them for transport, cost came out as a major factor. 38% of Scottish parents surveyed said the cost of owning and maintaining a car was a key reason their child didn’t have a licence.

For Scottish parents, all these extra journeys can come with their own frustrations. Having to stay up later came up as a main concern with 19% citing this. Followed by it disrupting their schedule (19%) and traffic stress (16%).

Over a quarter (26%) of Scottish parents said they have had to change or cancel their own plans due to transporting their children. However, despite all this, parents don’t seem to mind. 82% of those surveyed said providing regular transportation to their children has little to no impact on their daily lives.

Many even enjoy the extra time spent together, with meaningful conversations (32%) and getting to hear about their children’s day (26%) listed as the things they enjoy most about these journeys.

Erin Baker, Editorial Director at Auto Trader, comments: “According to our research, the taxi of Mum and Dad remains a permanent fixture on UK roads, and doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon, especially as the cost of driving lessons remain elevated for some.

“But despite this and parents clocking up some impressive mileage, it’s great to hear that they don’t mind providing transportation help, enjoying the extra time spent with their children.”

For those who don’t want to rely on their parents for transportation, Auto Trader have shared some ways you can save money as a new driver.

Four Tips for Saving Money as a New Driver

1)     Choose the right car – The car you drive can have a big impact on your insurance costs, as well as ongoing maintenance. Consider purchasing a cheap used car, of which there is a large choice currently available on the market. Cars with smaller engines, for example, also tend to be cheaper to insure and run.

2)     Add an experienced driver to your insurance – While insurance fees will always be higher for new drivers, one way to bring your costs down is by adding a more experienced driver, like a parent, to your policy.

3)     Consider telematics insurance – Telematics, or black box insurance, is another increasingly popular option. By installing a tracker to your car, you can prove to your insurance provider that you are a safe and responsible driver, which can bring financial savings.

4)     Explore leasing as an option – If you’ve managed to build up a good credit profile, leasing could offer a more affordable route to driving. You just need to decide how long you want the car, how many miles you expect to drive each year and how much money you want to pay upfront as your initial payment amount.

You will only pay the monthly payments which should be within your budget so that you can drive a new car. You will also get road tax included in your lease, and you’ll be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty for 3 years from the date of registration.

For more information about the benefits of car leasing and to explore the latest deals, visit https://www.autotrader.co.uk/cars/leasing

RAC warns drivers against starting the new year with the flat battery blues

  • Battery issues are the number-one reason for breakdowns
  • Longer holiday period expected to cause a rise in non-starts
  • The RAC warns households with more than one car to use both over the holidays

With Monday 6th January expected to be one of the busiest days for breakdowns for the whole of 2025, the RAC is warning drivers to make sure they don’t kick off the year with an unexpected flat battery.

The first working day after the holidays is often a ‘non-start’ for thousands of commuters as cars are left idle throughout the Christmas period. Since New Year’s Eve falls on a Tuesday this year, the RAC expects most drivers to extend their Christmas breaks until Monday 6th January, meaning there could be a much longer period where cars are left unused.

Households with more than one vehicle are at greater risk as many people will only use one car over the festive period, meaning the battery of the other car is more likely to go flat.

Battery issues are the number-one reason for RAC patrol call-outs all year round, but breakdowns increase during the winter months when cooler temperatures put a greater strain on batteries due to the increased use of the heater, lights and heated screens and seats.

The RAC is advising all households, and especially those with a second car, to make sure vehicles are used between Christmas and New Year to keep their batteries topped up, especially if they intend to commute on Monday 6th.

Even drivers of electric cars need to do the same, as in most cases these vehicles still depend on a 12-volt battery to start – and it’s this battery that can go flat.

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “The first working day after Christmas is typically the busiest of the year for our patrols attending drivers suffering the ‘flat battery blues’.

“The first day back at work after the Christmas the break is often bad enough, but it can be thoroughly depressing if nothing happens when you go to start the ignition. Cars left unused over the holidays, such as second vehicles left parked up, are often a breakdown statistic waiting to happen.

“Luckily, a flat battery is easily avoidable if drivers take their cars for a good run during their Christmas breaks. Electric vehicles are just as vulnerable as combustion engines because they also rely on 12-volt batteries, so it’s important to drive them occasionally and keep them charged above 20% in winter conditions.

“Colder weather slows down the chemical reaction in vehicle batteries, plus they have to work harder in the winter months due to greater use of the heater, lights, heated screens and seats as well as windscreen wipers. The starter motor also has to work harder to turn over the engine in the cold, so if your car is particularly slow to start then the battery could be about to fail.

“Drivers in any doubt about the health of their battery – especially those that are older and weaker – can book a diagnostic test on their doorstep. Rather than trying to find a garage that is open during the holiday period, drivers can book an RAC Mobile Mechanic to test their battery at home or work, and even install a new one in the worst-case scenario.”

The RAC’s Mobile Mechanics have shared their top tips to steer clear of the flat battery blues:

  • Drive every vehicle in your household before Monday 6 January, especially if you’re going to rely on that car for your return to work. Don’t just turn it over – go on a drive that gets the engine up to a proper operating temperature and the battery well charged before you really need it 
  • Cherish every volt – turn off everything electrical in your car once you’ve switched the engine off, and disconnect all equipment such as dashcams to give the battery its best chance of starting
  • If you’ve had battery problems at all throughout 2024, think about getting it tested and, if needed, replaced before the new year
  • Protect your car from the elements – cooler, damper conditions through winter put more strain on a battery, so use the garage if you have one
  • Drive electric vehicles occasionally and keep them above a 20% state-of-charge. A high-voltage battery should not be left below this point for extended periods of time, especially in cold weather, as this can harm its health.

Drivers frustrated at five-year wait for parking code of practice

Only 2% feel private parking companies enforce rules fairly

Two-thirds of drivers believe private parking ‘fines’ are excessive

Nine-in-10 don’t believe the private parking industry’s own code is fair to drivers

Drivers are frustrated that the Private Parking Code of Practice is still not in force five years after an act of parliament was passed to clamp down on rogue operators.

Eight-in-10 drivers (84%) questioned by the RAC* say it’s not right that, due to legal challenges from private parking operators and debt recovery companies, the official code still hasn’t been introduced.

Asked if private parking firms treat those who contravene parking rules fairly, only 2% of respondents agreed. Similarly, just 3% agreed with the statement ‘private parking companies charge a fair price and operate reasonably’.

More than half (55%) of those surveyed felt private parking companies’ enforcement policies were too heavy-handed, with 40% saying there is no justification whatsoever for the way they enforce their rules. This is undoubtedly why almost eight-in-10 (78%) believe private parking companies are only interested in making money from drivers. A fifth (18%), however, felt private parking operators were necessary to stop a parking free-for-all.

When questioned about the costs of parking charge notices issued by operators, nearly two-thirds (65%) say they understand fines were necessary but that they are excessive or disproportionate to the parking contraventions.

While the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government is working to finally introduce the government-backed Private Parking Code of Practice, the two major private parking trade bodies – the British Parking Association and the International Parking Community – launched their own code on 1 October.

Not backed by law, the private parking industry’​s own code differs substantially from the proposed official government code. In its survey of 1,847 drivers, the RAC discovered that nine-in-10 (87%) don’​t trust the private parking industry’​s code to be fair to drivers.

When introduced, the official Private Parking Code of Practice should put a cap on parking charge notice ‘fine’ amounts, a cap on debt recovery fees and provide a single independent appeals service for drivers to use should they feel a private parking company has wrongly rejected an appeal.

It will also force operators to follow a code of conduct, with those that don’t potentially losing the right to operate. The rules firms will have to follow include a robust appeals process, a means of identifying vulnerable customers, issuing parking charge notices lawfully and not misleading drivers, providing photographic evidence of contraventions, not engaging debt recovery companies too soon, providing clear signage and terms and conditions that are easy to understand.

When asked about the visibility of private parking signage – that which explains the charges drivers must pay when parking on private land, along with terms and conditions – a quarter (27%) of those surveyed by the RAC said they didn’t see the signage indicating charges. Just over a third (35%) said they saw and read it while almost four-in-10 (38%) admitted they saw it but didn’t read it.

Among those who read the signs, nearly eight-in-10 (76%) had issues with seeing or understanding it, with only a fifth (20%) saying the terms and conditions were both clear to see and easy to understand.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “It’s blatantly apparent from our research that drivers continue to have severe misgivings about the way private parking companies operate and are therefore very frustrated that the official government-backed code of practice has still not been introduced more than five years after it became law.

“While this lack of trust may be partly addressed by the launch of the industry’s own code of practice, we suspect it’s unlikely to be enough as it’s not worded to be in the interest of drivers and, crucially, isn’t backed by law.

“We feel only the introduction of the real, government-backed code will bring much-needed fairness to the entire private parking sector. We badly need an acceptable cap on parking charge notices, along with a cap on debt recovery fees as, in our opinion, both are disproportionate to most parking contraventions.

“Finally, a truly independent single appeals system is needed for those who feel their initial appeal to the company concerned has not been listened to.”

Motorists warned against tired driving over Christmas

Road accidents see a spike in the run-up to Christmas, and while this can be due to increased traffic volume, driver fatigue also has a big part to play as it’s estimated that 10 to 20% of crashes happen because of tired driving. 

Christmas is a busy time and the stress from frequent holiday gatherings, Christmas shopping and planning can cause a lot of people to feel exhausted and sleep deprived. 

It’s important for drivers to make sure they’re well rested before getting behind the wheel, as they’re twice as likely to crash if they’ve had five to six hours of sleep compared to the recommended eight hours. 

Drivers are also told to plan regular rest breaks for longer journeys, taking a break for at least 15 minutes every two hours.

Tired drivers are most likely to crash on monotonous roads such as motorways because of the lack of driver stimulation, potentially leading to microsleeping behind the wheel. 

Microsleeping happens when tired drivers nod off for up to 30 seconds and data has revealed one in three Brits have experienced it. 

Eating can also exacerbate fatigue and drowsiness, so it’s best to let the food settle for a few hours after eating a big Christmas meal at a holiday gathering.

Cat Wiltshire from Online-Bedrooms.co.uk said: “While fatigued driving is a danger throughout the whole year, the risks are further increased during the Christmas season, as many people struggle with festive burnout. 

“Many of us feel exhausted in the run-up to Christmas as it’s a high-intensity period filled with office parties, holiday gatherings, endless Christmas shopping trips and lots of travelling to ensure you’re spending time with all your loved ones. 

“The roads are a lot busier around the holiday season which already increases the risk of collisions, and adding fatigue to the mix makes the situation far more dangerous. 

“Before driving home for Christmas, it’s crucial to ensure you get enough sleep the night before, especially if you’re planning to head out early to avoid traffic. 

“Even going to bed an hour or two earlier before a long car journey can make a big difference, as those getting five to six hours of sleep are twice as likely to crash compared to seven to eight hours. 

“Taking regular breaks is also important, especially if you’re driving for more than two hours. Even if your journey is shorter, make sure to look out for signs of fatigue such as excessive yawning and heavy eyelids.”

RoSPA: Control your speed to save lives this season

Slow your speed to save lives, that’s the message from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) as we enter a period of wintry weather.

Caitlin Taylor, Road Safety Manager for RoSPA said: “The UK will is entering a time of wintry weather leading to travel disruption, which can pose unique risks to drivers and pedestrians – these risks are increased if someone is speeding.

“Higher speeds mean that drivers have less time to identify and react to what is happening around them, and it takes longer for the vehicle to stop, removes the driver’s safety margin and turns near misses into collisions.

“Driving at 30mph, vehicles are travelling at around three car lengths a second – one blink and the driver may fail to see the early warning brake lights; a short glance away and the movement of a child behind a parked car will be missed.

“With that in mind, and the poor visibility this season poses, it’s clear to see the tragic consequences speeding could have”.

RoSPA advises the following when driving in darker periods of the day:

Be prepared: As the wintry weather sets in, it is crucial for motorists to adjust their driving habits. The decreased visibility during early mornings and evenings demands heightened caution. RoSPA urges drivers to use dipped headlights, and ensure clean windshields, to be extra cautious when navigating poorly lit roads.

Control your Speed: Poor driving conditions and darkness increase the risks associated with speeding. The lack of visibility, compounded by higher speeds, can lead to devastating accidents. The Department for Transport (DfT) reports that in 2023, exceeding the speed limit was deemed a contributory factor related for 21% of all fatal collisions. In 8% of fatal collisions, driving too fast for the conditions was deemed a contributory factor. 1.

RoSPA emphasises that adhering to speed limits and driving to the conditions is paramount, especially when visibility is reduced, or weather conditions are poor.

Caitlin Taylor continues: “If you must travel during poor weather, I suggest leaving ample time for the journey, ensuring you can travel within the speed limit, and try to maintain a safe distance behind other road users.

“As we age, our ability to adapt to changing light reduces, which impacts how we see colours and contrasts in low-light conditions. It also takes longer for the eyes to recover from glare”

Driving in the dark – drivers urged to adopt defensive driving techniques

Motorists must adopt ‘defensive driving’ techniques this autumn as the clocks go back

Road safety expert, TTC Group is urging motorists to be extra vigilant from Sunday 27th October when the clocks go back.

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) there is a surge in the number of vulnerable road users killed or seriously injured as daylight hours shorten. To help motorists stay safe TTC calls upon them to use ‘defensive driving’ techniques, which can be adopted through the winter months. 

TTC says that those most at risk are fearful of driving in low light, including older motorists and young drivers with low mileage under their belt. Knowing the dangers of night driving and what to do to mitigate those risks is essential.

Andy Wheeler, Training Manager for TTC Group, said: “As the days get shorter it’s worth reminding ourselves of the simple techniques which can make a difference to staying safe while night driving. 

“A higher number of traffic-related fatalities occur at night with fatigue being a significant factor in most cases.  Reduced visibility and inappropriate driving add to that risk, that is why we advise all drivers and riders to embrace defensive driving techniques.”

 DEFENSIVE DRIVING TIPS

  • Speed: It is safer to reduce your speed when driving in the dark, especially in unlit areas.  This will buy time to observe vulnerable road users and stop accordingly.  
  • Distance: It is harder to spot hazards at night so get into the habit of increasing the two-second time gap from the vehicle in front. Following too close reduces visibility and time and distance to stop.   Headlights could also distract or intimidate the driver in front.
  • Slow down: Take extra time to read the road for signs of other road users by travelling slower than normal. This also allows time for the eyes to adjust when travelling from well-lit to dark roads.
  • Lights: Ensure external lights are clean, in good working order and interior lighting is turned off. Be careful not to dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users by always using dipped headlights in urban areas or when approaching oncoming vehicles. Use full beam on all other roads, particularly unlit rural lanes, when the opportunity arises and you won’t dazzle other road users.
  • Eyes: Routinely have your sight examined. To avoid being dazzled by oncoming headlights, drivers can keep attention on the left-hand kerb. The rear-view mirror should be adjusted to reflect light away from the eyes and above all, let your eyes adjust to different lighting levels
  • Tiredness: Falling asleep when driving overnight accounts for 40 per cent of collisions in the UK. Prevent drowsy driving by ensuring business drivers take regular breaks every two hours.
  • Visibility: A dirty windscreen will increase glare from other vehicles at night and are also prone to steam up. Keep windscreens, windows and mirrors clean with a microfibre cloth, both inside and out
  • Stay alert: Remember other drivers may not be as cautious. Drivers should slow down more than usual at junctions and check side and rear-view mirrors regularly.
View of a pedestrian crossing in the city at night during a heavy downpour. Silhouettes of people with umbrellas in the headlights of the car. People cross the road.

Graduated Driver Licences could save 58 lives annually, says The AA

  • New analysis reveals life-saving potential of scheme
  • Survey shows passenger restrictions top priority among drivers
  • AA launches GDL mini manifesto

At least 58 lives could be saved annually by graduated driver licensing (GDL), estimates The AA as it steps up its calls for the system to be introduced.

Introducing such a system could also see at least 260 serious injuries avoided on UK roads.

The AA’s chief executive Jakob Pfaudler has written to Transport Secretary Louise Haigh to highlight the motoring organisation’s strengthened calls for the introduction of GDL.

It comes as The AA launches its policy on GDL. Among the measures The AA would like to see implemented are:

Passengers New drivers under the age of 21 would not be allowed to carry peer-age passengers, for 6 months after passing their test, with exemptions for parents/carers.

Seatbelts New drivers should face six points for not wearing a seatbelt effectively making new drivers lose their licence for this offence under the New Drivers Act.

‘G’ plate To aid police enforcement, new drivers under 21 should display a ‘G’ plate (denoting Graduate driver) for the first six months after passing their test.

Jakob Pfaudler, CEO of The AA, said: “Graduated Driver Licensing has been proven in other countries to significantly reduce road deaths and serious injuries.

“Figures show 290 people were killed in young driver crashes last year with more than 4,669 seriously injured*. Not only is this a tragic waste of life, but it contributes to the burden of high insurance premiums for young drivers. These premiums should fall when there is evidence of a reduction of young drivers and passengers killed and seriously injured.

“We are calling on the Transport Secretary to make simple, pragmatic changes to the licensing process so young people are better protected in their first few months of independent driving.”

New AA/Yonder driver research** shows most popular element of the AA’s proposed GDL is passenger restrictions with a third (33%) saying they would implement it over other possible GDL tactics.

The second most popular aspect of GDL to implement, if only one could be chosen, was ‘G plates’ (24%), followed by a logbook (18%) and heavier penalties for not wearing a seatbelt (8%).

Young drivers were considerably more likely to choose heavier seatbelt penalties as the one GDL element they would introduce (20%). In 2023, more than one third (36%) of 17-29-year old drivers who died in a car crash were not wearing their seatbelt.***

Edmund King, director of The AA Charitable Trust, said: “Support for GDL is high among drivers and their top priority would be to introduce passenger restrictions. Parents tell us that this would help them to restrict their teenagers from taking passengers or being passengers with an inexperienced driver.

“The introduction of passenger restrictions, would help mitigate the increased risk young drivers have to manage when they have peer-aged passengers travelling with them. A six month restriction is a small price to pay for saving young lives.

“There is a great swell of support for the introduction of GDL so this Government has a real opportunity to make it happen and save lives.

“The very recent inquest into the tragic deaths of four young men is a stark reminder that action needs to be taken to protect young lives, and it needs to be taken sooner rather than later.”

Sharron Huddleston, who formed the Forget-me-not Families Uniting group from those like herself who have lost loved ones in crashes, said: “Graduated licences are a crucial issue. How many more young people need to die before action is taken?

“Our message is simple – listen to us, listen to the experts, listen to The AA, and learn from other countries, who have seen a huge reduction in young driver and passenger deaths after introducing graduated driving licensing for young novice drivers. My daughter, Caitlin, would be alive today if action had been taken when the concept of graduated licences was floated years ago.”

* In 2023, 290 people were killed in young driver crashes last year with more than 4,669 seriously injured. Reported road casualties in Great Britain: younger driver factsheet, 2023 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

In other countries, the introduction of GDL has reduced death and serious injury from 20 per cent and up to 40 per cent. Hence if the UK scheme saw similar reductions we estimate at least 58 deaths and 265 serious injuries could be prevented each year.

**Yonder received 10,556 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 10th to 17th September 2024 Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.

***Reported road collisions, vehicles and casualties tables for Great Britain – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

**** Gwynedd crash inquest: Shrewsbury teens drowned in river – BBC News