Mosman & Lower North Shore Daily – Thursday 9 December 2004


Scully puts P-plate possibilities on table

 

THE State Government has announced a review of its methods of licensing P-plate drivers following the deaths of three people in a high-speed crash at Wyoming on the Central Coast last month as well as other deaths in NSW, including Mosman.

P-plater Emile Dousset, 20, was at the wheel of a high-powered Nissan Skyline in Wyoming when it hit a power pole killing him and his passengers Natasha Shyf, 15, and Carl Homer, 33.

In the wake of the tragedy, the Government has released an options paper to stop further young lives being wasted on the roads.

Roads Minister Carl Scully said the options included potential initiatives to improve the experience and maturity of young drivers, vehicle and licence restrictions and options for night driving.

Pedestrian Council of Australia chairman Harold Scruby said he welcomed the Government's initiative and said he believed there was a place for night-time curfews for P-plate drivers.

“This could be done with some exceptions,” Mr Scruby said.

He said he would like to see the age for a P-plate licence changed to 18 years and a full driver's licence to 21 years.

“Power-to-weight restrictions are also necessary so engine size for P-platers can be controlled.”

Mr Scully has asked for people “with strong views” on the proposals to put them forward in the next two weeks.

 

The NRMA said it had reservations about the Government only allowing the public two weeks to respond to the proposals, which also include banning young drivers from high-powered cars and limiting passenger numbers.

 

The NRMA said it would run an additional survey of 100,000 people on the issues raised.

The options paper is available from www.youngdrivers.com.au

 

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