20 August 2010

Highlands and Islands Labour MSP David Stewart is holding a meeting in Inverness today (Friday August 20) to discuss ways of improving road safety throughout the region.

Those present at the meeting in Inshes Church Hall, which will include road hauliers, driving instructors and advanced driving instructors, will discuss whether there are any gaps in the current road safety framework and how they might be plugged.

Diane Matheson, mother of 17-year-old Callum Matheson, who died in a car crash in Inverness in March this year, will also be attending.

Mr Stewart said: "The aim of the meeting is not to question the work of agencies already involved in promoting road safety who do a first class job but to see if there are any ways we can improve things."

Mr Stewart launched a campaign in June to stop young people from dying on Scotland’s roads after meeting Mrs Matheson.

He has written to Northern Constabulary, Grampian Police, Highland Council, and Moray Council asking them to support his campaign.

Mr Stewart has suggested the introduction of measures to compel young drivers who have just passed their test to display the ‘P’ plate on their vehicle for 90 days after successfully passing their test.

He has also proposed the introduction of measures which would compel such drivers to attend a one day Pass Plus driving course.

Other possibilities he wants looked at include involving young people in the strategic planning of Road Safety initiatives and some form of limit on the number and age of young passengers carried by a new driver.