Novice drivers comment

More Roads Policing Officers Needed To Enforce Road Laws

 
Responding to the publication today of the Transport Select Committee's report on Novice Drivers, Jan Berry, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, says:
 
“We support the stance taken by the Transport Select Committee in highlighting the growing dangers associated with the increasing numbers of novice drivers on our roads. The report rightly demonstrates that not only is there a greater propensity that they may kill and injure themselves or other road users but also the fact that their lack of general competence behind the wheel adds to the danger. We would welcome the opportunity to consult further on their suggestions to ensure that whatever new laws may  be introduced are able to be effectively enforced.
 
“We have long highlighted the need for effective enforcement of traffic laws, despite a tendency by chief officers to see roads policing as a low priority.
 
"It is only by having sufficient numbers of roads policing officers patrolling our roads, that we can properly enforce the road laws, prevent incidents and reassure and educate those who are new to driving, as well as properly tackling those who show scant regard for driving regulations.
 
“The government and chief officers must therefore prioritise roads policing otherwise it is likely that death and injury statistics will maintain an upward trend."