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29/05/2012
Shake-up For Learner Drivers In The Pipeline
The Environment Minister has tabled plans that amount to a radical shake-up of the rules for learner drivers.
Teenagers could be able to get behind the wheel at the age of 16-and-a-half, and the 45mph speed limit for new drivers could be scrapped.
If approved by the Executive at Stormont, the reforms could be introduced through the Assembly later this year.
Under the plans, the earliest anyone could get a full driving licence would be at the age of 17-and-a-half, and the post-test period would extend from one year to two, during which time drivers would wear an 'N' sticker.
Learner drivers would be allowed on motorways when in dual-controlled cars with their instructor, and would have to take at least 12 months of lessons before sitting their driving test.
Alex Attwood, Environment Minister, said the changes were designed with road safety in mind.
He said: "Car drivers under 25 are responsible for 44% of road fatalities but hold only 11% of full car licences. We need to change how we help new drivers become safe drivers for life."
Otto Thoresen of the Association of British Insurers said: "Politicians in Westminster should consider following Northern Ireland's lead in making the changes that are needed to ensure that the young drivers of today become the older drivers of tomorrow. By giving young learners a more controlled driving experience before obtaining a full driving licence, they will learn to drive rather than learning to pass the driving test."
(NE)
Teenagers could be able to get behind the wheel at the age of 16-and-a-half, and the 45mph speed limit for new drivers could be scrapped.
If approved by the Executive at Stormont, the reforms could be introduced through the Assembly later this year.
Under the plans, the earliest anyone could get a full driving licence would be at the age of 17-and-a-half, and the post-test period would extend from one year to two, during which time drivers would wear an 'N' sticker.
Learner drivers would be allowed on motorways when in dual-controlled cars with their instructor, and would have to take at least 12 months of lessons before sitting their driving test.
Alex Attwood, Environment Minister, said the changes were designed with road safety in mind.
He said: "Car drivers under 25 are responsible for 44% of road fatalities but hold only 11% of full car licences. We need to change how we help new drivers become safe drivers for life."
Otto Thoresen of the Association of British Insurers said: "Politicians in Westminster should consider following Northern Ireland's lead in making the changes that are needed to ensure that the young drivers of today become the older drivers of tomorrow. By giving young learners a more controlled driving experience before obtaining a full driving licence, they will learn to drive rather than learning to pass the driving test."
(NE)
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21 May 2018
Teenager Assaulted In L'Derry
A teenager has been assaulted in Co L'Derry. The attack, which is being treated as sectarian, happened in the Waterside area just after 10pm on Saturday, 19 May. The 15-year-old was repeatedly kicked on his head, face and back. He was able to get away and a member of the public brought him home.
Teenager Assaulted In L'Derry
A teenager has been assaulted in Co L'Derry. The attack, which is being treated as sectarian, happened in the Waterside area just after 10pm on Saturday, 19 May. The 15-year-old was repeatedly kicked on his head, face and back. He was able to get away and a member of the public brought him home.
24 September 2015
Novice Drivers Most 'At Risk' On Roads
Novice drivers are the most at risk on Northern Ireland roads, according to statistics released by Department of Environment (DoE) in relation to the NI Road Safety Strategy (NIRSS).
Novice Drivers Most 'At Risk' On Roads
Novice drivers are the most at risk on Northern Ireland roads, according to statistics released by Department of Environment (DoE) in relation to the NI Road Safety Strategy (NIRSS).
19 December 2012
Man Dies Following Incident On The M2
A man has died following an incident at the Hightown Bridge on the M2 near Belfast. Police were forced to close the motorway in both directions this morning. Police also urged drivers caught up in the delays to continue to have patience, as officers worked to get the traffic flowing again. The road and Hightown Bridge have now been re-opened.
Man Dies Following Incident On The M2
A man has died following an incident at the Hightown Bridge on the M2 near Belfast. Police were forced to close the motorway in both directions this morning. Police also urged drivers caught up in the delays to continue to have patience, as officers worked to get the traffic flowing again. The road and Hightown Bridge have now been re-opened.
26 August 2008
HGV Drivers Warned As Highjack Reward Offered
News today that a substantial reward has been offered for information about a gang - apparently from Northern Ireland - who carried out a £1m lorry hijacking in the north of England comes on foot of a Government initiative to warn local lorry drivers of the dangers associated with long haul trucking.
HGV Drivers Warned As Highjack Reward Offered
News today that a substantial reward has been offered for information about a gang - apparently from Northern Ireland - who carried out a £1m lorry hijacking in the north of England comes on foot of a Government initiative to warn local lorry drivers of the dangers associated with long haul trucking.
29 November 2001
Police take a tough line on drink driving over Christmas
The police will be taking a tough line on drink driving over Christmas and the New Year according to the head of road policing in Northern Ireland. “Bump - And You’re Breathalysed” is the stark warning from the Police Service of Northern Ireland to mark the launch of this year’s Christmas anti-drink driving campaign.
Police take a tough line on drink driving over Christmas
The police will be taking a tough line on drink driving over Christmas and the New Year according to the head of road policing in Northern Ireland. “Bump - And You’re Breathalysed” is the stark warning from the Police Service of Northern Ireland to mark the launch of this year’s Christmas anti-drink driving campaign.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
