The UK has been urged to introduce tougher driving licence rules for foreign nationals coming into the country after a spell of tragic collisions.
The call for action follows a recent petition which has already gained more than 22,000 signatures, having only launched a few weeks ago.
The petition called on the DVSA and Department for Transport to introduce mandatory driving tests for foreign nationals before allowing them to travel on UK roads.
The need for more measures comes after a tragic incident at Christmas, which saw a car, driven by a foreign national working in the UK, veer onto the pavement and collide with a pedestrian.
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The petition was launched after a pedestrian was killed following a car crashing into the pavement
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It was later revealed that the driver had been using a false licence and driving with “P” plates at the time of the accident.
The petition launched by Nicola Plair detailed: “How many other lives have been shattered by preventable accidents like this. It is distressing to think how common such incidents might be, that we are only aware of because of their impact on us.
“It is undoubtedly time for change. We call upon the UK government to establish new regulations, requiring all foreign nationals who wish to drive in the UK to pass the UK driving test before getting in front of a wheel and ensure the correct use of ‘P’ plates.”
These “P” plates are used by newly qualified drivers to let other road users know they have just passed their driving test. While they are not mandatory, drivers often display them to let other drivers know to take extra care.
The petition added: “This is a fair and necessary measure to guarantee the safety of our roads and our loved ones. The night this happened, so many lives changed… No family should ever have to suffer a loss like this.
“Please sign this petition to make our roads safer for everyone. Your signature can contribute to a world where every driver on the road is competent, licensed, and permitted to drive in the UK. Together, we can make a difference.”
According to the RAC, “P” plates typically have a red or green letter displayed on a white background. Like the “L” plates, the letter should be at least 79mm tall, with a width of at least 14mm.
The plate should be displayed prominently on the front and rear of their vehicle so they are clearly visible to other road users.
The plate helps identify drivers who have had limited experience behind the wheel, while also letting drivers and pedestrians know to exercise caution and patience when they are nearby.
Newly qualified drivers have stricter rules compared to experienced ones. This usually means that for the first two to three years of driving, some drivers may keep the plates on the vehicle for some time.
One of the penalties could be having a driving licence cancelled (revoked) if a new driver gets six or more points within two years of passing their test.
If this happens, drivers will have to apply and pay for a new provisional licence and pass both the theory and practical parts of the driving or riding test again to get a full licence.
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P plates are used to identify newly qualified drivers on UK roads
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The petition has already gained thousands of signatures, with Plair sharing: “Absolutely amazing, since Friday we have gained over 10,000 signatures. Thank you so much for your support!”
GB News has contacted the Department for Transport and DVLA for a comment, which is responsible for any enforcement activity of people using fake documentation.
