Debate contribution: Motor Vehicles (Specified Restrictions) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026
Debate contribution by Mr Peter McReynolds on .
- MLA
- Mr Peter McReynolds
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 23 June 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Executive Committee Business
- Heading
- Motor Vehicles (Specified Restrictions) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5637234
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I start by sharing my condolences and those of my party colleagues to the family of Kourtney McCormick on her tragic passing. I welcome the important next step in the introduction of the graduated driver licensing scheme as Alliance spokesperson for Infrastructure, a Policing Board member and chair of the all-party group on road safety. As we have already heard today, the measures for graduated driver licensing were passed in the Road Traffic Amendment (Northern Ireland) Act 2016. A decade later, we are finally seeing its introduction. It is overdue in the context of the shocking number of deaths and collisions on our roads, the impact that that has on individuals and their families and the pressures that that puts on the PSNI. What is the present context? We have already had 33 road deaths this year alone, and more than 150 since 2024. It is clear that more needs to be done to improve road safety. Data tells us that 24% of fatal or serious collisions are caused by drivers aged 17 to 23, despite their holding only 8% of licences, so it is clear that measures need to be targeted to address risks among less-experienced drivers. With the introduction of GDL, we hope to see a significant decline in road traffic accidents over time. The regulations will amend the Motor Vehicles (Specified Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998 to reflect the introduction of revised restrictions for newly qualified drivers, updating the distinguishing mark and exemptions. The revised restrictions will include a mandatory minimum learning period of six months; a programme of training; a logbook; passenger restrictions; new R-plates; the extension of the post-test period to 24 months; and removal of the 45 mph speed limit on motorways. Those restrictions have been discussed and debated in the Infrastructure Committee, and it is fair to say that we are satisfied with them now. The introduction of the different R-plates for the first six months and the following 18 months will assist in the identification of those who are under passenger restrictions. There was concern around how identification would work, and I welcome the clear, pragmatic approach that was found to address those concerns. I commend those from the driving instructor industry, the DVA and those in the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership for all their work in preparing for the smooth introduction of the GDL measures. They have been proactive and thorough in ensuring that they understand what is expected of them to make GDL a success story. Members will remember the news when it was first announced that we would be the first in the UK to introduce GDL practices. Being recognised in that manner, as a leader in road safety, is a great step, and I hope to see the future success of GDL to reduce the number of collisions and fatalities on our roads. Our work on improving road safety here in Northern Ireland is not over today. However, GDL will make a significant difference, so Alliance will support the passage of the regulations, and I thank the Minister for her work to date on them and for her sincerity today.
523 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Assessment
Awaiting analysis
This record has not been analysed yet. It is not counted in any total until it has been assessed.
Disagree with this assessment?
Classifications can be challenged. A person reviews every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.