Teens facing road curfew

Motorists under 21 could be banned from driving after dark if plans in a Government-funded road safety report are pushed through.

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New study reveals potential risk to younger motorists driving at night

09th May 2006

A new Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) study, commissioned by the Department for Transport (DfT), details several ways in which the number of accidents involving novice drivers could be reduced - including restricting their ability to hit the roads after nightfall and carry passengers. According to TRL, young road users are more than twice as likely to be involved in an accident compared to their more mature counterparts.

The report states: "A number of studies have evaluated the effects of night driving restrictions and the weight of evidence is that they are effective in reducing accidents."

A spokesman for the DfT told Auto Express that the study was still under consultation and that parts could be used in its road safety strategy.

Meanwhile, despite the potential clampdown, more young Brits than ever are getting behind the wheel. According to finance firm www.easymoney.com the average person gets their first car at age 20 - their parents' generation had to wait until they were nearer 30.