Region’s M-ways to welcome learners
LEARNER drivers in West lancashire will be able to have lessons on motorways surrounding the borough in a bid to improve road safety.
Transport secretary Chris Grayling has announced the law change and means learners will be allowed on the highways with an approved driving instructor in a dual control car from next year.
Currently learners cannot drive on a motorway until after they have passed their test.
But from 2018, those in the borough RAIL passengers from West Lancashire who use Euston to travel to and from London are being urged to avoid the station for two days over the August Bank Holiday weekend while work takes place to prepare for Britain’s new high speed railway.
A Network Rail spokesman said no trains will run in or out of Euston on Saturday, August 26, and Sunday, August 27, while a major power supply to the station is re-routed on behalf of HS2 Ltd.
The shutdown will impact all services on the West Coast Main Line, which serves Preston, Wigan and Liverpool affecting many in the region.
The spokesman said all services are expected to be ‘extremely busy’ and passengers are ‘unlikely’ to have a seat yet to achieve their driving licence will be able to drive on motorways.
Mr Grayling said: “The UK has some of safest roads in the world and we want to make them even safer.
“Younger drivers are up to seven times more likely to be killed or seriously injured compared with drivers over 25 and lack of experience is an important factor.’’
He added: “Allowing learners to drive on motorways in a supportive environment will help them develop a practical understanding of how unless they have reserved where possible.
They may need to change trains and queuing systems may be in place at busy stations.
Passengers are, therefore, urged to not travel on August 26 and 27 unless essential.
Network Rail’s high speed rail sponsorship director, Antonia Buckland, said: “The advice to passengers planning travel to or from Euston station this Bank Holiday is clear: plan your journeys on days other than Saturday and Sunday and only travel by train on those days if absolutely essential.
“Travel between Scotland, the North West, West Midlands and London on the Saturday and Sunday is discouraged and the whole rail industry – Network Rail, HS2 Ltd and train operators – is working together to to use motorways safely before driving independently.”
A Department For Transport (DFT) spokesman said the law change will provide a broader range of real life experiences and better prepare learners for independent driving when they pass their test.
The changes – which were consulted on earlier this year – apply to England, Wales and Scotland only.
RAC road safety spokesman Pete Williams said: “We welcome the news that learner drivers will be allowed to take lessons on the motorway under the supervision of an approved driving instructor in a dualcontrolled car, something that motorists we surveyed were give passengers plenty of warning and information about the planned disruption.”
The HS2 work involves relocating a key power supply at Euston station to clear the way for future developments.
Virgin Trains’ executive director for customer, operations and safety on the west coast, Peter Broadley, said: “We know upgrade works can impact on people’s travel plans, particularly over a Bank Holiday weekend.
“We expect our services to be extremely popular on Friday 25 and Monday, August 28.
“If customers choose to travel, we recommend they book in advance, make a seat reservation and allow longer getting to their destination.”
For more information visit www.nationalrail. co.uk/eustonworks overwhelmingly supportive of.
“While motorways are statistically our safest roads, it can be daunting using them for the first time after passing the driving test. Giving learners the option to gain valuable experience on our fastest and busiest roads should further improve safety and enhance the confidence of new drivers.”
The DFT spokesman said improving road safety is a ‘priority’ for the Government and allowing learners on motorways with an approved instructor will ‘better protect’ young drivers and other motorway users.
The spokesman added it will ensure the current generation of adults about to start their driving career have the ‘best possible introduction’ to what should be a lifetime of safe driving.
DVSA chief driving examiner Lesley Young said: “DVSA’s priority is to help you through a lifetime of safe driving.
“Our roads are among the safest in the world, but we’re determined to do more to improve safety for all road users. “We want to modernise driver training so that novice drivers gain the skills and experience they need to help them and everyone else to stay safe on our motorways.”