Calls for new driver limits in memory of teenager

A mother's campaign calling for tougher restrictions on new young drivers has been backed by Cumbria's MPs, as she prepares to mark another birthday without her daughter.

Caitlin Huddleston and her friend Skye Mitchell, both aged 18 and from Millom, were killed in a crash on the A595 near Barrow, Cumbria, in July 2017.

Caitlin's mum, Sharron Huddleston, has been campaigning for a graduated driving licence (GDL) - a scheme which would prevent young drivers from carrying under-21s for up to six months after passing their tests.

A letter, also signed by the county's police, fire and crime commissioner, has been sent to the transport secretary to ask her to support the scheme.

When the two teenagers died, Ms Mitchell had passed her driving test four months earlier.

Mrs Huddleston and her family would have been celebrating her daughter's 26th birthday on 23 November.

"Since I launched Caitlin's Campaign, I've been overwhelmed by the support I've received," she said.

Mrs Huddleston added she was delighted to receive the support of Labour's commissioner David Allen, Labour MPs Markus Campbell-Savours, Josh MacAlister, Julie Minns, Michelle Scrogham and Liberal Democrat Tim Farron.

In their letter to Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, they said other countries who introduced a similar scheme had seen a reduction in serious injury in crashes between 20% to 40%.

They added: "This is not a punishment for our young people, it's not about restricting their freedom, it's about saving lives and ensuring that young people have experience driving independently before they take on the responsibility of driving with their peers in the car."

Last month a Department for Transport spokesman said it was not currently considering GDL and is looking for other ways of keeping young drivers safe.

Currently in the UK, new drivers' licences can be cancelled if they get six or more points within two years of passing their test, whereas more experienced drivers can be banned with 12 or more penalty points within three years.

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