A comprehensive package of new measures to improve road safety in Northern Ireland has been passed by the Stormont Assembly. They include a new drink drive regime, a new Graduated Driver Licensing Scheme and a requirement for Quad users to wear helmets on public roads.

The Bill also provides for a new Graduated Driver Licensing scheme with the objective to ensure that drivers acquire the experience and skills over time, in lower risk environments. This will mean a mandatory 6 month minimum learning period for learner drivers and the introduction of a programme of training, to be evidenced by a logbook. It removes the current 45mph restriction for learner and restricted drivers. This will enable lessons to be taken on motorways for the first time when accompanied by an approved driving instructor in a dual-controlled car. It also introduces a time-bound passenger restriction for new young drivers for the first 6 months after they pass their test. New drivers will be restricted to being able to carry only one young passenger aged 14 to 20 between the hours of 11pm and 6am.

Environment Minister Mark Durkan commented, "There is no acceptable level of road deaths. It is a fact that almost all casualties on our roads are caused by poor road user behaviour. They are therefore preventable. This Bill, by addressing key causal factors, can make a real difference. Ultimately however, each of us must take personal responsibility for our behaviour on the roads.”