A new survey has revealed widespread support for stricter limits on new drivers, with 88% of Brits saying there should be additional measures for motorists who have just passed their test. The findings highlighted approval for rules like car type restrictions and passenger limits, reflecting growing public concern over road safety and a desire for increased regulation for new drivers.
The research comes from Go.Compare car insurance, which asked 2,000 UK residents for their opinions through a survey. The results uncovered significant backing for increased limits on motorists who have just passed. The survey asked about restrictions like curfews and mandatory ‘P’ and ‘G’ plates, as well as limits on vehicles, passengers, speed and alcohol.
Over half of the respondents (51%) supported limiting the types of cars new drivers can use, like smaller engine vehicles, making it the most-backed restriction on the survey. A similar percentage (47%) advocated a requirement to display ‘P’ or ‘G’ plates to distinguish new drivers on the road.
A lower alcohol limit for new motorists was supported by 39% of respondents, while more than a third (37%) said there should be tighter restrictions on driving passengers. Just over a fifth (22%) said they should have lower speed limits, while only 14% felt there should be curfews, making it one of the least supported ideas on the survey.
Drivers with a full licence are among the strongest supporters of these measures, compared to provisional licence holders. Just over half (56%) of those with a full licence back car type restrictions compared to only 22% with a provisional licence.
Similarly, full licence holders are more likely to support passenger limits (42%) than provisional drivers (14%). This highlights that attitudes are divided based on driving experience, with those most likely to be impacted by the restrictions being less in favour of them.
Younger drivers, including provisional licence holders, are also less supportive of measures like curfews and speed limits. Only 9% of provisional drivers back curfews compared to 14% of full licence holders. The survey also highlights a divide in opinion towards lower alcohol limits for new drivers. Provisional drivers were actually more in favour of this, with half supporting it, while only 36% of full licence agreed.
Tom Banks, car insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “Driving for the first time can be both exciting and unnerving, but safety must always come first. These findings show a strong consensus among the public for measures that could protect new drivers and other road users, including pedestrians.
“Restrictions like these could help new drivers to build their skills and confidence behind the wheel, as well as making roads safer, although they could result in fewer opportunities for young drivers. It’s also necessary to consider how these proposed restrictions could influence the cost of car insurance, particularly for young and new drivers.
“Measures like limits on car engine size, curfews, or the mandatory display of ‘P’ plates could help insurers better assess the risks involved. In the long run, this could lead to fairer premiums due to the reduced hazards. It could also encourage safer driving habits, making insurance even more affordable and potentially lowering the number of claims.”
