§ Mr. BurtTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will consider introducing a scheme requiring the display of probationer plates for newly qualified drivers.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyA number of schemes were introduced in other countries during the 1960s, so they have been in operation for some time. So far, none has been successfully evaluated. There is no evidence that they help to reduce casualty rates. In New Zealand, for instance they have been withdrawn upon introduction of enforcement systems more similar to our own.
A comparable P plate system is in use in Northern Ireland, where the legal system for enforcement of road traffic law is different. Using the only comparative data available, the relevant figures are:
Comparison of casualty rates for Great Britain and Northern Ireland: 1961–1987 Casualty rate per 1,000 vehicles Year Great Britain Northern Ireland 1961 35.0 23.5 1966 29.5 21.3 1971 22.7 20.8 1976 19.1 18.9 1981 16.7 17.8 1983 15.3 16.0 1984 15.7 17.3 1985 15.0 18.4 1986 14.8 20.0 1987 14.0 20.5