§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to encourage the development of extra motorway training at an affordable price.
§ Mr. KeyOne of the proposals in the Department's recent consultation paper "New Driver Safety" was to develop post-test driver training schemes, including motorway tuition, in collaboration with the insurance industry. Tuition fees would not be regulated, but the aim would be to secure insurance discounts to offset the cost of the training. My right hon. Friend will be making a statement shortly on the outcome of the consultation.
§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to introduce compulsory motorway tuition for all drivers.
§ Mr. KeyWe have no such plans. Motorways are our safest roads: only 3 per cent. of accidents occur on them, though they carry 15 per cent. of traffic. Learners who live several miles from a motorway would face great inconvenience and cost if such tuition were made compulsory.
§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many representations he has received regarding compulsory motorway tuition for drivers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KeyAbout 12 per cent. of over 400 responses to the "New Driver Safety" consultation document included representations of various kinds on motorway tuition, either for learners or for newly qualified drivers. Other representations on this, as on many other road safety issues, have been made at various times by organisations or individuals, including the hon. Member.