Rural views on driving age mixed

BY CHERIE HOWIE

Top of the south Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) branches have backed their national body's decision to support the Government's planned increase to the driving age, but members remain divided on whether they support the move.

More than 35 women from RWNZ's branches in Marlborough, Nelson, Tasman and the West Coast met in Blenheim on Saturday for the annual top of the south regional meeting.

Among topics for discussion was Prime Minister John Key's announcement this month the driving age would be lifted from 15 to 16.

Mr Key said the change was part of the Government's road safety strategy and there would be no exceptions for young people in rural communities.

That was the wrong move, Blenheim/Wairau Valley branch member Olive Burdekin said.

"I actually think the age should go up to 18, but rural drivers should be given dispensation from age 16 for certain journeys and with no passengers."

Brightwater branch member Yvonne Wadsworth said a lot of rural people were not happy with the driving age increase, including herself, and suggested young people instead be forced to spend longer on their restricted licence.

Drivers with restricted licences cannot drive alone between 10pm and 5am and must have a fully licensed driver, who has also held a full licence for at least two years, sitting beside them if they are carrying passengers.

Restricted licence holders can apply for a full licence after between three and 18 months on a restricted licence, depending on age and driving courses completed.

Nelson branch president Diane Higgins said lifting the driving age would punish rural families and the Government had "missed the point".

The first year a person drove was the most dangerous, whether they were 15, 16 or 22, she said.

She also wanted to see a longer restricted licence period and tough penalties imposed on people who breached their licence conditions.

"If they breach their licence conditions they should automatically lose their licence for a year. I have grandkids who wouldn't dream of drinking and driving because they don't want to lose their licence. It's that precious to them.".

Marlborough provincial president Melva Robb also wanted the status quo retained, but for all new drivers to receive professional driving lessons and for cars to be made less powerful.

However, Mahakipawa branch member Pam Thomlinson backed the Government.

"I think it should be 16. Our country children survived. They didn't have time for after-school things growing up ... I feel that children have too many after-school activities anyway and it cuts into their family time."

Top of the south regional councillor Liz Evans said she also agreed the driving age should be increased to 16.

"If it saves one life in the long run, what's another year?"

- The Marlborough Express