Public Transport Increase over Legislation Change says Youthline

Youthline is calling for improved public transport in response to proposals to raise the driving age. According to Youthline National Spokesperson Stephen Bell, improving public transport access to young people is key to keeping them safe on the roads, particularly increasing night busses and trains.

"The reality is that a lot of young people are violating their licenses and sometimes putting themselves into danger because it is difficult to get around." But it is not just young people affected by lack of transport, says Bell, who argues that the whole of the community is impacted, including the elderly.

"New Zealand's driving age is often compared to that of other Western nations, but it is difficult to compare when these countries have more public transport options, so of course people don't need to drive as young," says Bell. However, Youthline agree with making sure that there are meaningful consequences for young people who commit driving offences and support the idea of demerit points and suspended licenses. Youthline also support making defensive driving compulsory and a ban on drinking for new drivers.

"Not all young people drive recklessly, but they may lack experience in reacting to hazards on the road and this can be further impacted by alcohol, even if they are not over the limit."

As for raising the age, Youthline are not sure if this will really effect the change that is needed to keep young people safe on the roads.

"16 has been chosen to coincide with the school leaving age, however in some ways this is an arbitrary decision, as we cannot always say that a 16 year old is more competent or mature than a 15 year old. "We also have to remember that dangerous driving is not solely the privilege of the young and need to look at community solutions to keeping young people safe, as opposed to placing more restrictions on young drivers," says Bell.

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