Kent’s young drivers react to new laws affecting under 25s

Young drivers in Kent fear that new driving laws could potentially have a major impact on their freedom, especially those with a newly acquired license. 

There have been proposals that newly licensed drivers under 25 won’t be able to drive people within that age limit. 

On top of that, newly licensed motorists would get a ‘graduate driving license’, which restricts them from having a full license. 

This probation period intends to reduce the risk of accidents. There will be further consideration of this plan on May 16. 

 

Elizabeth Woljung, 21, lives in Canterbury. She’s had her driving license for over four years.

Though this new law wouldn’t affect her, she believes the reaction from young, newly-licensed people will be negative. 

“I can definitely see the benefits of it, because driving with your friends when you are young causes loads of distractions,” she said.   

“But I think it’ll cause loads of unrest in younger people, and maybe less people will try to get their license.

“It is a social thing. When you all pass your tests with your friends you can all drive places, but if you can’t drive together what’s the point?” 

Amy Carter, 21, from Tunbridge Wells has had her license for over a year.  

She worries about what these new measures could mean for her, as she commutes daily from Tunbridge Wells to Canterbury. 

“I understand where they are coming from. If you’re out with your friends and are the designated driver you’re more likely to drink and get into an accident.  

“But it also limits people that aren’t being reckless while driving. They just want to take their friends out. It’s possibly one of the main reasons people learn to drive, to go out with their friends.” 

OTHER MEASURES  

Other driving laws that could take effect this month include the following:  

Kent County Council will be able to fine drivers for offences that were only incurred by the police (I.e. illegal u-turns). Currently, only 12 councils across England have that power. For now, the council will begin implementing these measures in seven places.

There could also be a Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, promoting the use of electric vehicles to ensures that there’ll be enough vehicles on the market for the 2030 petrol and diesel car ban. 

The current 44-tonne fuel limit will potentially increase, as it was a measure taken last year in response to the fuel crisis. 

 

Feature image by The Ride Academy via Unsplash