Young motorists should face a longer probationary period before being granted a full driving licence to cut the roads death toll David Amess told the Commons.

The Southend West Tory MP spoke out in Parliament following an accident on the A127 in August which claimed the lives of three young people.

He warned that under-21s were just seven per cent of the nation's drivers, yet were responsible for 30 per cent of injury accidents.

Mr Amess raised the issue during a short Commons debate after brothers Glen Dineen, 18, and Gary Dineen, 16, of Southend, and Mark Baker, 18, of Leigh, died when the car in which they were travelling ploughed into an electricity sub-station and burst into flames in Eastwood.

During the debate, Mr Amess called for a tougher driving test with a written examination and a simulator test in which drivers had to show they could handle tougher conditions on motorways and at night time.

After passing this test, there would be a six month probationary stage in which young drivers would display a P-plate and face restrictions.

They would not be allowed to carry passengers under the age of 21, nor would they be allowed to drive on motorways and A-roads. They would also be banned from driving between 9pm and 5am.

After six months, having proved their proficiency, they would be eligible for the full driving licence.

David Jamieson, junior transport minister, told Mr Amess that the Government had an ''open mind'' about any suggestions which would improve road safety for new drivers.

By Alistair Walton

Reporter's e-mail: alistair.walton@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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