By Brian Allison, local government reporter

EXTRA TRAINING for young drivers should be a priority in attempts to cut the toll of death and injury on Scotland’s roads, according to Dundee City Council.

A range of other measures has also been suggested by the council including lowering the drink- driving limit, and extending the ban on drivers using mobile phones to cover hands-free sets as well.

The Scottish Government has set up a panel of experts to advise on ways of reducing fatalities, injuries and accidents on the country’s roads.

A consultation document has been published and issued to interested parties, including local authorities, for their views on the future direction of road safety.

The city council’s response, contained in a report by planning and transportation director Mike Galloway, said young drivers should be a priority.

“It is clear that all across Scotland there is a disproportionate level of collisions and casualties involving drivers under 25 years of age,” he said.

“They are over-represented in accident statistics and, while the many and diverse education campaigns undoubtedly help, more needs to be done. In order to be effective, it is likely that a radical approach may have to be adopted.”

Mr Galloway said the development of a graduated licensing system had been tried in many other countries and found to be extremely successful in reducing accidents involving novice drivers.

He suggested that could be linked to more comprehensive training and education like the Pass Plus scheme, which offers additional training for newly- qualified rivers.

However, Mr Galloway pointed out Pass Plus is a voluntary scheme and said the type of training it provided should form part of the mandatory driving test.

He said enforcement of the legislation on driving under the influence of drink or drugs, speeding, seatbelts and mobile use should continue to be high priorities.

“A review of the drink-driving limit, speed enforcement thresholds, and the extension of the current ban on mobile phones to include hands-free mobile phones should be actively pursued,” he said.

“Elderly road users, especially pedestrians, should also be a priority.

“With the age of Scotland’s population increasing year on year we have an increase in the number of elderly people and it is becoming more important that the road safety strategies and initiatives consider this vulnerable group.”

The director said children should be maintained as a very high priority for all road safety initiatives.

“It has got to be recognised that humans are fallible and make mistakes which can lead to serious, if not fatal, consequences,” Mr Galloway continued.

“Therefore all roads, vehicles and all other equipment should be designed with this fallibility in mind and, where possible, implemented to mitigate the seriousness of any accident.”