Spain boosts driver training

Positive points system should be adopted says ABD

By PH Staff / Monday, 20 June 2005 / Loading comments

Positive points encourage driver education

Motoring organisation the Association of British Drivers (ABD) today called for the UK government to copy the new Spanish system of positive points for drivers, which encourages driving training and education.

ABD road safety spokesman Mark McArthur-Christie said, "We are pleased to see the Spanish government introducing a measure the ABD has long proposed for the UK.

"Under the new system in Spain existing drivers will start with a tally of 12 points with points being deducted when offences causing risk occur. New drivers will start with eight points rising after three years offence- and accident-free. Good drivers will be able to increase the number of points on their licence. After three years conviction-free they will gain two points, with a further three years gaining a further point. Four points will be awarded for those taking further driver training courses.

"This system has the huge benefit of giving incentives for drivers and riders to take training before they have a crash or commit an offence, something that has been severely lacking in the UK. Current practice only sends drivers on training courses after the event. Training is seen as part of their punishment. Responsible drivers who drive safely or choose to take advanced training of their own volition get no recognition from the authorities".

The ABD urges the new road safety minister to urgently consider introducing a similar system in the UK. The organisation strongly believes that a carrot and stick approach to road safety will achieve far better results than that of recent years that has relied only on the stick, a system that has failed dismally to reduce fatalities.