P Platers Mixed Reactions to New Laws

by Brooke Dunnell

May 15, 2006

The State Government’s tough new laws for young drivers have received a mixed response from teachers, parents and students.

Doubts have been expressed over enforcement and concerns raised that good drivers face unfair restrictions.

Police Minister John Kobelke has announced a raft of new laws to be introduced in July next year, including night curfews and passenger restrictions for P-platers.

The laws come from nine Road Safety Council recommendations aimed at reducing the number of young deaths on WA roads.

Willetton Senior High School year 10 co-ordinator Phil Sherwood called the laws “fantastic” but was concerned about enforcement.

“I don’t know how tightly they’ll be policed,” Mr Sherwood said.

New P-plate driver Brie Jenkin disagreed, saying the number of new laws would increase the likelihood of police stopping young drivers.

“(The police) are just going to go on a rampage picking up P-platers,” she said.

The new laws will stop young people driving between midnight and 5 a.m., unless they are travelling for work, education or to receive medical attention.

Craig Johnson, father of three teenagers, said a curfew was both good and bad.

“If they’re driving that late, they’re probably drunk,” he said.

But if they were sober, Mr Johnson said he would rather his children drive than have to catch a train or taxi at night.

Even if they beat the curfew, P-platers will only be allowed to carry one peer passenger at a time.

Ms Jenkin said this meant more young people would have to remain sober on a night out, which she doubted would happen.

All agreed that some of the new laws were harsh on young drivers who do the right thing.

“They’re damaging all the kids for the sake of a few,” Mr Johnson said.