The probationary licence was originally introduced to help reduce the number of accidents occurring during the first year of a person being able to drive. To do this, three provisions were instigated, mandatory cancellation for certain traffic offences, a special speed limit and the bearing of a "p-plate". From available information, the rate of suspension of probationary licence is too low for any significant deterrent effect, whilst the special speed limit has effectively reduced the speed of "p-plate" drivers by a maximum of only 12 km/h below the mean speed of all traffic. This causes an increase in the potential accident rate due to "p-plate" drivers travelling below the mean speed. The fatality rate of first licence drivers (17 to 20 age group) has been reduced since the introduction of "p-plates", but fatalities for all drivers has also been reduced. The evidence that probationary licence schemes are effective in reducing accidents or traffic offences is inconclusive and there is little likelihood that conclusive evidence could ever be obtained. With this in mind, the only alternative to improve driving conditions is to remove the special speed limit that exists presently and have one uniform speed limit for all cars.
Samenvatting