Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
New transport law will make things tough for youth
New transport law will make things tough for youth and families
The Council of Trade Unions youth wing, Stand Up, is disappointed to hear of news that the Government will be passing its Land Transport Safety Amendment Bill today which raises the New Zealand driving age to 16, without considering a provision for exemptions.
Spokesperson James Sleep says young people across the country will now struggle to access work, education and community activity.
"Increasing the driving age is only going to delay the issues associated with unskilled drivers on the road. It's not an age issue, it's a skill issue. This country doesn't offer free or cheap and accessible professional driver training. It's a pity the Government has decided to keep the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, and not move it to the top by committing to free or highly subsidised professional driver training and spending more on public transport" said Sleep.
Sleep says young workers will find it difficult to get to and from work.
"Many young people in New Zealand start working around 15 to help support their families. Their ability to drive a car is important to them. It's disappointing that the Government is not prepared to consider exemptions for young drivers who need this mobility".
ENDS
Gordon Campbell: On The Royal Commission’s Fine-tuning Of Vaccine Mandates And Lockdowns
NZ Government: Chemical Weapons And Iranian Missiles Targeted In New Russia Sanctions
Ministry For Culture And Heritage: Reverberations Of Erebus Disaster Still Felt 45 Years Later
Watercare Services: No Cause For Concern After Slightly Elevated Levels Of Arsenic Detected In Treated Waikato River Water
Te Pāti Māori: Government’s First Year A ‘Catastrophe For Māori’
Department Of Internal Affairs: Samoan Citizenship Bill Passes Into Law
NZ National Party: National Acknowledges The Passing Of Hon Nikki Kaye
