21,000 YOUNG DRIVERS SIGN UP TO NEW LAWS
Published Wednesday, 08 August, 2007 at 10:54 AM
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Paul Lucas
Almost 21,000 young drivers have received a learner or provisional licence in the first month of Queensland’s revolutionary new young driver laws.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Paul Lucas told State Parliament today that 15,458 learner licences and 5514 provisional licences had been issued to young drivers under new laws since July 1.
“Our new graduated licence system and tougher restrictions are designed to do one thing – save lives on our roads,” Mr Lucas said.
“The new laws for young drivers under 25 are the most comprehensive in Australia.
“They will help ensure our children have more on-road experience, fewer distractions and less risk when they get behind the wheel.
“The 15,458 young drivers who got their learners since July 1 will need to log up to 100 hours of on road experience before they go for the full licence.
“And the 5514 young drivers who got their provisional licence in the past month will be the first drivers on Queensland roads in more than 30 years to display P plates when they drive.”
Mr Lucas said motorists would see more and more red and green P plates on Queensland roads over the next few years.
The new P1 licence will be held for one year and is identified by a red P plate. The new P2 licence is held for 2 years with a green P plate displayed.
Mr Lucas urged motorists to give learners and P platers a fair go.
“Other drivers need to be understanding and give L and P platers a fair go on our roads,” Mr Lucas said.
“We haven’t seen P plates on our roads for a long time but now they’re back, I urge other drivers to give motorists a fair go.”
Mr Lucas also said he hoped mums and dads would show even more interest in helping their sons and daughters learn to drive.
“Get out there on the road with them in heavy traffic, at night and when it’s raining,” Mr Lucas said
“Take them for a drive on a country road and during peak hour.
“These new laws are only the start of the journey to reducing the young driver toll on our roads, not the end of it.
“We all have a continuing role to play.”
Media inquiries: Robert Hoge 3237 1942
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Paul Lucas told State Parliament today that 15,458 learner licences and 5514 provisional licences had been issued to young drivers under new laws since July 1.
“Our new graduated licence system and tougher restrictions are designed to do one thing – save lives on our roads,” Mr Lucas said.
“The new laws for young drivers under 25 are the most comprehensive in Australia.
“They will help ensure our children have more on-road experience, fewer distractions and less risk when they get behind the wheel.
“The 15,458 young drivers who got their learners since July 1 will need to log up to 100 hours of on road experience before they go for the full licence.
“And the 5514 young drivers who got their provisional licence in the past month will be the first drivers on Queensland roads in more than 30 years to display P plates when they drive.”
Mr Lucas said motorists would see more and more red and green P plates on Queensland roads over the next few years.
The new P1 licence will be held for one year and is identified by a red P plate. The new P2 licence is held for 2 years with a green P plate displayed.
Mr Lucas urged motorists to give learners and P platers a fair go.
“Other drivers need to be understanding and give L and P platers a fair go on our roads,” Mr Lucas said.
“We haven’t seen P plates on our roads for a long time but now they’re back, I urge other drivers to give motorists a fair go.”
Mr Lucas also said he hoped mums and dads would show even more interest in helping their sons and daughters learn to drive.
“Get out there on the road with them in heavy traffic, at night and when it’s raining,” Mr Lucas said
“Take them for a drive on a country road and during peak hour.
“These new laws are only the start of the journey to reducing the young driver toll on our roads, not the end of it.
“We all have a continuing role to play.”
Media inquiries: Robert Hoge 3237 1942