Grieving Father Demands Scotland's Right to Adopt Graduated Driving Licences
A grieving father, whose son was tragically killed in a car crash, is making an urgent plea to the UK Government to grant Scotland the powers to implement graduated driving licences. Alan Knox, a paramedic, launched his campaign after the death of his son, Lewis, last year. Lewis, a player for Fort William Shinty Club, was among three teenagers from Lochaber who died in a collision on the A830 road between Mallaig and Arisaig in the Highlands.
Call for Equal Opportunity with Northern Ireland
Mr Knox is pushing for Westminster to "give Scotland the same opportunity" as Northern Ireland, which is set to become the first part of the UK to introduce graduated licences later this year. Northern Ireland's infrastructure minister, Liz Kimmins, has hailed the upcoming change, due from October 2026, as the "most significant reform to driver licensing and testing in almost 70 years." Announcing the scheme earlier this year, she stated that these changes are aimed at young drivers who are most likely to be killed or seriously injured on roads.
Mr Knox has already raised this critical issue with Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop, who has echoed his call. Ms Hyslop urged the UK Government to "give Scotland the powers needed to pilot graduated driving licences," adding that such measures could help save young lives and cut serious injuries on the roads.
International Evidence and Specific Measures
The campaigning father highlighted the widespread impact of such tragedies, saying: "Too many families across the UK have suffered the unutterable pain of losing a child on the road." He pointed to international evidence, asserting that graduated driving licensing works, reducing the prospect of fatal collisions involving young people. Mr Knox questioned the disparity, adding: "As Northern Ireland takes forward a pilot, I would urge the UK Government to give Scotland the same opportunity. It is not clear why the devolved administration at Holyrood isn’t being afforded a chance to pursue reform in this area."
Mr Knox advocates for several specific measures to enhance road safety for new drivers:
- A ban on newly qualified drivers carrying young passengers for six months after passing their test, to alleviate peer pressure.
- Fitting black box devices to new drivers’ cars to monitor speed and driving style.
- Temporary restrictions on late-night driving for inexperienced drivers.
He explained his rationale: "Young people are not taught to drive at speed in adverse driving conditions like ice and snow and at night-time on rural roads. A car full of excited friends can be highly distracting to those who lack experience behind the wheel." He concluded that it makes sense to place reasonable limits on new drivers, such as plates to advise other road users, limits on late-night driving and passenger numbers, and a no-alcohol rule, which can reduce fatal mistakes.
Citing international examples, he noted: "Systems in other countries speak for themselves. Canada witnessed a more than 80% reduction in deaths in 16 to 19-year-old drivers after it brought in graduated driving licences. Similar reductions have been observed in New Zealand and Australia."
UK Government's Alternative Approach
However, a Department for Transport spokeswoman indicated a different approach from the UK Government. She stated: "We want to keep young people safe while supporting their access to work, education and social opportunities." She clarified the department’s stance: "That’s why we’re not introducing blanket restrictions on new drivers, such as limits on passengers or night‑time driving. Instead, we’re focusing on better preparation before the test, including consulting on a minimum learning period." The department confirmed it is currently consulting on a minimum learning period to allow young people more time to develop essential driving skills.
This ongoing debate highlights the tension between devolved powers and UK-wide policy, with Mr Knox's campaign underscoring the urgent need for reform to prevent further tragedies on Scotland's roads.
