Madam, - While any measures undertaken to improve road safety are to be welcomed, the sudden introduction of the "driving alone" ban has far-reaching implications. Many learner drivers on provisional licences, who rely on their cars for their livelihood, are now at risk of losing their jobs.
This situation is due to chronic governmental inefficiency in addressing the lack of sufficient test centres and resources. The result of this incompetence will now further penalise the innocent.
- Yours, etc,
ROGER GREENE, Hillcourt Road, Glenageary, Co Dublin.
Madam, - As a young driver currently awaiting my driving test like thousands of others, I feel that the short-sighted, hashed-up attempt at regulating our licensing laws is pathetic. I currently work in Sandyford Industrial Estate, which is not serviced by direct public transport from Wicklow Town, where I live. I have driven to work daily for the past two years.
I have taken a driving test, for which I waited a year, and failed. I applied again a number of months ago and the wait for a new test goes on. At no stage in the past four years have I been involved in an accident, thank God. I am hard-working and enthusiastic individual, with ambition in abundance. I enjoy my work and strive to succeed in my career. However, the latest amendments to the provisional licence law are directly threatening my prospects.
Here is a proposal the Minister might consider. How about a two-day driving course that must be completed before a provisional licence is issued in the first place. Upon completion of the course, a person would be licensed with the freedom of the road for a two-year term during which time they must apply for their driving test. Should they then fail the test the licence would be stamped, allowing the holder to drive only while accompanied by a full licence-holder. The cost to the Government could be recouped via a charge for the two day course.
This is a scenario that might work, without penalising the thousands of drivers awaiting tests.
- Yours, etc,
ALAN O'BRIEN, Glendasan Drive, Wicklow Town.