Campaign for Graduated Driving Licences in Scotland

Alan Knox, a paramedic and grieving father, is advocating for the introduction of graduated driving licences in Scotland following the tragic death of his son, Lewis, in a car crash last year. Lewis was one of three teenagers killed in a collision on the A830 road between Mallaig and Arisaig in the Highlands. Knox's campaign seeks to persuade the UK Government to grant Scotland the same authority to implement this licensing system that has been extended to Northern Ireland, which plans to introduce the reform in October 2026.

The Independent

Knox's advocacy is rooted in the belief that graduated driving licences can significantly reduce fatalities among young drivers. He proposes several specific measures, including a ban on newly qualified drivers carrying young passengers for the first six months after passing their test, the installation of black box devices to monitor driving behavior, and restrictions on late-night driving. He argues that these measures could alleviate peer pressure and distractions that inexperienced drivers face.

The Independent

Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop has expressed support for Knox's campaign, urging the UK Government to allow Scotland to pilot graduated driving licences. Hyslop emphasized that such measures could help save young lives and reduce serious injuries on the roads. Knox highlighted the widespread impact of road tragedies, stating, "Too many families across the UK have suffered the unutterable pain of losing a child on the road."

The Independent

Knox cites international evidence to bolster his argument, noting that countries like Canada have seen over an 80% reduction in deaths among 16 to 19-year-old drivers after implementing graduated driving licences. Similar reductions have been reported in New Zealand and Australia, reinforcing the potential effectiveness of such reforms in Scotland.

The Independent

In contrast, a spokeswoman for the UK Department for Transport indicated that the government prefers a different approach. She stated that the focus is on ensuring young people's safety while maintaining their access to work, education, and social opportunities. The department is currently consulting on a minimum learning period to better prepare young drivers before they take their tests, rather than imposing blanket restrictions on new drivers.

The Independent

While Knox and Hyslop advocate for graduated driving licences as a means to enhance road safety, the UK Government's stance emphasizes preparation over restrictions. This divergence highlights the ongoing debate about the best methods to protect young drivers while allowing them the freedom to drive.

The Independent

• "The international evidence clearly shows that graduated driving licensing works, reducing the prospect of fatal collisions involving young people." — Alan Knox, Campaigner

The Independent

• "It makes sense to place reasonable limits on new drivers." — Alan Knox, Campaigner

The Independent

• "We want to keep young people safe while supporting their access to work, education and social opportunities." — Department for Transport Spokeswoman

The Independent

• "That’s why we’re not introducing blanket restrictions on new drivers." — Department for Transport Spokeswoman

The Independent