New changes to the driving test are being rolled out across test centres all over the UK. These measures are seen to make the test more up to date with common driving habits, such as being able to operate a satellite navigation and driving with one.
The Government are now looking to introduce further measures on top of existing regulations to reduce the amount of accidents by learner drivers. Because of these changes, are we going to see fewer novice drivers on UK roads than ever before?
Questions about novice drivers
A recent question at Prime Minister’s Questions queried the possibility of a graduated license system being brought in here in the UK. This came after new figures show that 25% of new drivers are involved in an accident in their first two years of driving. The report also showed that some 400 novice drivers are killed, or seriously injured, on the roads each year.
In response, the PM admitted that it highlighted an important issue and that the government would be considering it. Currently, there are regulations where if a driver gets six points on their license, within two years of passing their test, then they are banned from driving, versus 12 points for experienced drivers. However, the UK does not place restrictions on novice drivers in any way and is the only western country not to do this.
Graduated licenses proposed
The concept of graduated licenses is not a new one with previous research showing it could save up to 4,471 casualties a year and some £224 million in costs. Research conducted by the Department of Transport proposed a training regime could include 100 hours of supervised daytime driving and 20 hours of night-time driving before sitting any practical and theory tests.
Following this, the novice driver would be ‘on probation’ for 12 months. It would mean using a ‘P’ plate compulsorily and you would not be allowed to drive between 10 pm, and 5 am unless supervised by someone over the age of 30. It would also include a ban on carrying passengers that are under the age of 30, and even having lower or zero alcohol limits for novice drivers.
Restrictions around the world
Many other countries already use similar schemes. In New Zealand, restrictions are even tighter, and there is a three-stage system that drivers must go through. There’s a learner license, a novice license (where you must score 32 out of 35 on a theory test) and then supervised L plates.
Then the learner driver must learn for six months before sitting a 45-minute restricted driving test. Once passed, they can drive between 5 am and 10 pm or outside these times if supervised. They are not permitted to get behind the wheel with a trace of alcohol in their system until they are 20. Finally, there’s a 30-minute practical test, once you have held a restricted license for 3-18 months and taken the advanced drivers course.
Other examples of restrictions in New Zealand include lower speed limits, the engine size of the car they car drive and the power output of the vehicle.
Welcoming change
A RAC spokesperson, Pete Williams, said the group ‘welcomed’ the plans to look at the novice driver system having requested it themselves in past years. Studies also show that novice drivers themselves feel ill-equipped for life as a solo driver with 35% of them saying the driving test does not cover the skills to cope with everyday driving.
Many people do not learn to drive due to the rising cost of running your own vehicle– these additional restrictions may lower insurance premiums. The hope would be that the graduated license system could see insurance premiums drop, for that restricted period allowing novice drivers to build their no claim bonus before they are ‘fully qualified’ drivers.
Are fewer drivers a growing trend?
However, the fact is, with more restrictions in place to drive and the growth of self-driving cars, are fewer people even going to bother to learn to drive in future anyway? Public transport in the cities is improving, ride sharing is growing fast and delivery services mean almost anything can be delivered to your door. The urge to drive your own car could fade away the same as the urge to ride a horse. Moreover, although it could lead to less congested, quieter roads in the short term, it may be replaced by more autonomous vehicles so no real difference anyway.
© Copyright Phil Champion and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
What do you think of this proposed new system, is it long overdue? What would you suggest as a change to the law that strikes more of a balance between new and existing drivers to reduce accidents and congestion? Let us know in the comments below
All Learner Drivers should only be taught by a Qualified Instructor
When they teach them how to drive with a satnav will they also be told not to mount it slap bang in front of the drivers face so they can actually see where their going?? She so many people with satnavs stuck in the main A of the window obstructing the drivers view
I also think the engine size needs to be restricted for new drivers, it is with young motorcycle riders.
We all had to learn, I think delivery vans and lorries need to remember that they are commercial vehicles and these vehicles need to watch there speeds.
@Ken What about the rest of the drivers are they ok to speed in there Busses cars Crotch Rockets etc as a Commercial Truck driver my biggest fear is some one on or in a bike ,car or motor bike coming up my near side at lights or junctions i have had this happen on no less than 5 occasions recently ,the last time a young lady just passed her test (9 Months) borrowed mummy’s smart car thinking because it was small and the big truck was slow tried to sneek up my nearside at a T junction this stupid move put her in a wheelchair for the rest of her life ,i was not speeding just making a left turn i have all round cameras on my truck the police looked at the videos to see exactly what happened , she was subsequently charged with driving without due care and attention , i was contacted through our company solicitor by her mother and father to say that they in no way hold me responsible for what happened , i firmly believe that the New Zealand style tests etc should be implemented in the UK.
I favour the approach in many US states where Drivers ED or Driving Lessons and awareness of motor vehicles are part of schooling at 16 and 17. With Students driving on closed courses and getting good instruction before they pick up bad habits. It also benefits pedestrians and cyclists who learn why being oblivious to motor vehicles is dangerous as they cannot always be seen.
I took part in a Salford University experiment to cut down youthful drivers’ accidents in 1971. We were tutored in the classroom and on an off road driving range before having several lessons on the road delivered by BSM. Sadly there was no improvement in driver safety. It seems that youth is the problem, not education.
All drivers of whatever ilk professional and domestic should be subject to a 5 yearly assessment by qualified assessors and hit a pass score to continue using a licence. I spent 26 years as a bus a nd lorry driving instructor and have seen the benifits of similar schemes run by companies
My son passed his test 3 days ago – as part of his insurance deal there’s a telematics “black box” fitted to the car which monitors speed,acceleration, braking, cornering etc as well as the time of day & location. There is also a 11pm – 5am curfew – if he maintains a driver score of 75% or more for 3 months this can be lifted. It has significantly reduced the insurance premium & should do when it comes to renewal (also I can monitor his driving !) I’d trust him anyway but who knows if under peer pressure etc – at least this gives me some peace of mind & will hopefully make him a safer driver in the end! (He also has the green P signs on the car)
Without doubt there is a benefit, but I have noticed a large amount of bad driving is caused, or started by drivers who are not used to driving on the left.
Perhaps a review and possible restrictions to eliminate this dangers.
There are many who drive on a foreign licence and their test consisted of driving 20 metres or a bribe. I’m not joking.
I passed my driving test in Italy back in 1981, it really was a drive up the road, turn around and back. No one else in the car, they observed from the door of the test centre. However I think surviving the Italian roads for a few years did make me very vigilant!!
I think theses proposals are long overdue and a good idea. I also think the government should be seriously thinking about bringing in legislation stating l that it should be an arrest able offence, and have the vehicle impounded, for all those driving without a licence, or not in accordance with their licence conditions.
I agree with you we are too soft in this country, and allow them back behind the wheel
You only have to look at the TV programmes about police interceptors and the rest. When the idiots do get caught after putting peoples lives at risk, the fines and penalties are ridiculous ‘banned from driving for 18 months’, how can you do that when they haven’t even got a licence
Excellent idea! So many youngsters (mainly male I have to say) think they’re racing drivers once they pass their test. Reduce engine size allowed too.
Sexist comment needs to be removed.
I believe that this is a very good idea, and should have put all this into place before now. when they have passed their test they should not be allowed to drive any high-speed cars, only allowed to drive small engines.
I think we should all be ‘re tested’ after a while..have had so many near misses with drivers who cannot drive properly, i do not think age is the reason, people drive ‘big’ cars when they are not capable of seeing over the steering wheel and others need the whole road otherwise they ‘slam’ the brakes on.in a panic…luckily i have been a driver for 26 years and have never hit a thing, elderly drivers have to sit a re test when they reach a certain age and i feel they should do one for everyone and stop ‘targeting’ certain age groups!
I think all drivers should have a compulsory eye test at least every 5 years – there seem to be many drivers around with poor eye sight!
This elderly driver retest must be a very new thing as today no such thing and not even being talked about by the DSA but at aged 70 you have to reapply and confirm your ability to drive . The Police can get a medical report on an older driver and if the Dr considers a retest or licence to be revoked this will be done . More youngsters than mature drivers had to be retested last year as the year before.We in the Institute of Advanced Motorists had a 82 lady pass the advanced test. New drivers are in general likely by 1 in 4 to have an accident and a conviction within 2 years of passing DSA test with 22,000 being revoked . Answer this why does your insurance premium go down when you age and very costly when young ?
I think that it is a good idea for some of the restrictions mentioned on learner drivers, such as zero alcohol.
When I passed my test I did a pass Plus which you learnt to drive on motorways and country lanes with a driving instructor to help.
I think that motorway and country lane driving should be compulsory. I know that you cannot drive on a motorway until you have passed your test but there is some dual carriageways that could be used instead.
I myself find that the worst drivers are women in suvs on the school run. Thay cause hazards by parking in really stupid places and even block roads so that other cars cannot pass. I experienced is nearly every time I am in my car at school times.
Also in my experience there are more drivers that have already passed their test that are dangerous. eg when driving in the left hand Lane cars sitting on my towel because I am doing the speed limit and they do not want to change lanes. MIDDLE LANE DRIVERS do I need to say more!
People pulling out or changing Lane without indicating.
And Lane discipline on roundabouts.
Who would be funding the extra hours driving experience for learner’s. It is already extortionate to learn to drive.
Some people need to use cars as they can not use public transport, walk cycle or able to car share.
I definitely agree with tighter regulations, but I also feel this is to get cars off roads and more money out of people.
Yes we should try to protect our younger generation and introduce tighter regulations. My husband was a driving instructor for many years. Unfortunately he knew which young kid would soon cause an accident . I agree with Ree regarding people causing congestion near schools. They shouldn’t be allowed to park anywhere near teach kids to do a bit of walking and get some good fresh air.
Would be a good idea if older drivers who couldn’t see properly were also removed from our roads, you can always tell when you see one as they have there full beam on constantly at night and then slam their brakes on when another car drives past on the opposite carriageway.
But the older drivers are probably intelligent enough to know when to use their and not there.
Yes quite agree! There should be better their there everywhere! Get rid of the HID and LED lighting would be a very good idea.
I feel the driving test should be harder, but I also feel experience drivers should have retest every 5 yrs or so. Because a lot of people pick up bad habits.
yes long overdue.
A graduated power band system, so young drivers start with lower powered cars and then move up as they get experience, this should be related to the date of passing the tests, not age related.
All drivers, not just older drivers should be passed fit by a doctor, that would sort out bad eyesight and ill health problems, which are not just limited to the older driver.
Zero alcohol and drug limits are the way forward with life bans for the second offense. Also life bans for drivers that cause death by dangerous driving.
Teach new drivers to DRIVE not as it isat the present they are JUST taught how to pass the test if they manage first time it is a bonus on their adverts 99% firsttime passes
I think this system is a good idea and as several people have said ‘is well overdue’ in the UK.
My granddaughter whom lives in New Zealand started driving when she was 16 and took her advanced driving course about 18 months ago then was retested again mid 2017 with the UK driving test sort. After that test pass she is allowed to drive when she likes and can drive anyone. This was all completed before she was 18 and to date she has never had an accident. So lets hope the government bring this sort of test in quickly
I find it really alarming that someone who is less than 18 years old could have passed a standard and advanced driving test.
Are you really telling me that someone who has all of one years driving experience has encountered enough varied scenarios to be regarded as an advanced driver after passing a test?
Driving daytime, night-time, various different large cities with no previous familiarity of said city, driving those very very narrow country roads where they are only 1.5 cars width for 500m distance and may require very long reverse. Has she really experienced the full gamut of weather conditions, heavy rain, dense fog, deep snow, black ice….and all of this on dark country roads
An advanced test must be real limited if someone of 1yr experience can pass.
I would be thinking a minimum of 5 years driving experience before being allowed to “sit” an advanced test.
All very well and it will be good to see the rules on novice & young drivers tightened up, but who is going to enforce them? With 27% less Police currently watching our roads and mobile phones still being used whilst driving without a thought for the dangers, it seems that enforcement needs to be strengthened considerably.
The biggest problem in my city is the family who must each have a car, including the young male teenager who drives the fastest they can buy, stuff it with all of their mates, and drive like lunatics to the danger of every road user, including pedestrians. Sometimes I wonder if they have got another to take their test for them, assuming they actually have a licence. If they have an accident, they can always find at least 50 uncles who will swear it was the other drivers fault. The older driver soon learns to give these jack-the-lads a wide berth, or they will soon lose their no claims bonus.
Why isn’t driving included in the school curriculum – this would take the “thrill” out of young persons needing to prove themselves to their mates by showing off. Cycling proficiency tests can be included so why not motor prociciency?
People need reliable transport They are not getting it with
Public services Even with more people using the internet
and working from home no man is an island an occasional
Visit to the office may be necessary children need to go to school While schools are getting larger and further apart Not driving would be like going back to days of horse and cart
You can’t go backwards inventions were created from need driverless cars may lead to safer roads
As has been mentioned I believe that the New Zealand system would make a dramatic difference, however as with most road rules in this country who is going to police it. I also think that regarding engine capacity limits that this should be an engine power limit as there are some pretty quick 1.0L engined cars around. However there is still the problem of the young drivers, who have not passed the test, never had a lesson and dont have insurance, who “learned to drive” on a Playstation and think they are the best drivers in the world.
Youngsters pass their test. Fill their car with friends and there the distractions start and the accidents too. So restrict the number of passengers under 21 to one person. Zero alcohol and phones too. Next add a lower speed limit for new drivers clearly marked on their vehicle and enforced by technology….I’m not trying to be too hard on young drivers, just saddened by reading in the news about another car load of dead teenagers….
It has just been passed that L’ drivers can now drive on motorways, I say that they should only drive on the motorway when they have passed a part B test, it would mean they have to fix a (P) plate to the car until they passed this. Basically a pass Plus Test. this would also qualify them to drive cars over a certain BHP. As is the case for motorcycles you can only drive the higher powered ones after taking another test.
yes it’s long overdue me my self pass my test in 1972 first time but if people say it was easy then it wasn’t one poor person i know had 13 driving test and never pass, back to subject learner drivers do think they know it all especially young drivers, i have had them come flying pass me on a 30 mph road must have been doing 45—50 mph, i have seen accidents involving young drivers, so to me yes it should be in 3 stages like it says
Passed my first test in an Austin 3ton lorry with a crash gearbox a lost skill now. Next test was so I could drive a recovery lorry to pass my trade test [in the army] Third time when I joined the territorials. driving now 61 years no accidents ! I think these new test are a good idea, people are taught to pass a test NOT drive.
I learned to drive in the US in 2014, where I had to complete an online course to pass my theory test, after which I had to drive with my learners permit for 100 hours, 20 of which at night, with a designated person before I could sit the practical test. When you pass there however, you are able to drive any car with any passengers, any time of day, on any road.
I think that the curfew at night is not such a good idea because people may need to work late or overnight, or travel in an emergency, or travel to the airport in the early hours of the morning. Needing supervision in these situations would be a huge pain in the ass.
i disagree with a few pointers such as the blanket ban on driving at night …. People work back shifts and night shifts wether it be in the local supermarket, filling station or in your local hospital …. Not everyone is fortunate enough to live in area with public transport never mind a bus service that runs after 10 pm or before 6-7 am …. The same goes for the ban on carrying anyone under a certain age … Again you live in an area without public transport so that you can have and enjoy a social life this wipes this out and what of a driver who’s the only driver in the home but is required to take younger siblings out in the car …..
What is certainly required though is a ban on all newly qualified drivers buying or driving high powered cars… Just like newly qualified motorcyclist are limited to a certain engine size and power output … It’s ludicrous that a 17 year old who’s just passed their test can jump in and drive a car capable of doing 0-100mph in 6 seconds with a top speed in excess of 200mph they should be limited to an engine size of no more than 1 litre and with a restriction on horsepower … I’d also like to see all learners having to complete a period of instructed driving both during daylight and in the dark… In an ideal world all learners should undergo a certain amount of time driving on motorways and or fast dual carriageways but not everyone lives in an area where these are available to them…. And all newly qualified drivers should be driving with the green “P” plate displayed.
Good idea
We need an old codgers licence system as was well where they have to resit their test at 70 years old and every five years after that.
Is this an American website? We have licences in this country, not licenses.
There are many Black Box schemes available now without a curfew. I was not aware that there were any Telematics schemes still with curfew condition.
This is one area of the possible graduated licence scheme that i don’t think is a good idea, as many young people work well into the curfew period in a part time (or full time) job, and need to drive.
Making Motorway lesson compulsory and restricting engine size until experience gained would be a positive step.
All Learner Drivers should only be taught by a Qualified Instructor
When they teach them how to drive with a satnav will they also be told not to mount it slap bang in front of the drivers face so they can actually see where their going?? She so many people with satnavs stuck in the main A of the window obstructing the drivers view
I also think the engine size needs to be restricted for new drivers, it is with young motorcycle riders.
We all had to learn, I think delivery vans and lorries need to remember that they are commercial vehicles and these vehicles need to watch there speeds.
@Ken What about the rest of the drivers are they ok to speed in there Busses cars Crotch Rockets etc as a Commercial Truck driver my biggest fear is some one on or in a bike ,car or motor bike coming up my near side at lights or junctions i have had this happen on no less than 5 occasions recently ,the last time a young lady just passed her test (9 Months) borrowed mummy’s smart car thinking because it was small and the big truck was slow tried to sneek up my nearside at a T junction this stupid move put her in a wheelchair for the rest of her life ,i was not speeding just making a left turn i have all round cameras on my truck the police looked at the videos to see exactly what happened , she was subsequently charged with driving without due care and attention , i was contacted through our company solicitor by her mother and father to say that they in no way hold me responsible for what happened , i firmly believe that the New Zealand style tests etc should be implemented in the UK.
I favour the approach in many US states where Drivers ED or Driving Lessons and awareness of motor vehicles are part of schooling at 16 and 17. With Students driving on closed courses and getting good instruction before they pick up bad habits. It also benefits pedestrians and cyclists who learn why being oblivious to motor vehicles is dangerous as they cannot always be seen.
I took part in a Salford University experiment to cut down youthful drivers’ accidents in 1971. We were tutored in the classroom and on an off road driving range before having several lessons on the road delivered by BSM. Sadly there was no improvement in driver safety. It seems that youth is the problem, not education.
All drivers of whatever ilk professional and domestic should be subject to a 5 yearly assessment by qualified assessors and hit a pass score to continue using a licence. I spent 26 years as a bus a nd lorry driving instructor and have seen the benifits of similar schemes run by companies
My son passed his test 3 days ago – as part of his insurance deal there’s a telematics “black box” fitted to the car which monitors speed,acceleration, braking, cornering etc as well as the time of day & location. There is also a 11pm – 5am curfew – if he maintains a driver score of 75% or more for 3 months this can be lifted. It has significantly reduced the insurance premium & should do when it comes to renewal (also I can monitor his driving !) I’d trust him anyway but who knows if under peer pressure etc – at least this gives me some peace of mind & will hopefully make him a safer driver in the end! (He also has the green P signs on the car)
Without doubt there is a benefit, but I have noticed a large amount of bad driving is caused, or started by drivers who are not used to driving on the left.
Perhaps a review and possible restrictions to eliminate this dangers.
There are many who drive on a foreign licence and their test consisted of driving 20 metres or a bribe. I’m not joking.
I passed my driving test in Italy back in 1981, it really was a drive up the road, turn around and back. No one else in the car, they observed from the door of the test centre. However I think surviving the Italian roads for a few years did make me very vigilant!!
I think theses proposals are long overdue and a good idea. I also think the government should be seriously thinking about bringing in legislation stating l that it should be an arrest able offence, and have the vehicle impounded, for all those driving without a licence, or not in accordance with their licence conditions.
I agree with you we are too soft in this country, and allow them back behind the wheel
You only have to look at the TV programmes about police interceptors and the rest. When the idiots do get caught after putting peoples lives at risk, the fines and penalties are ridiculous ‘banned from driving for 18 months’, how can you do that when they haven’t even got a licence
Excellent idea! So many youngsters (mainly male I have to say) think they’re racing drivers once they pass their test. Reduce engine size allowed too.
Sexist comment needs to be removed.
I believe that this is a very good idea, and should have put all this into place before now. when they have passed their test they should not be allowed to drive any high-speed cars, only allowed to drive small engines.
I think we should all be ‘re tested’ after a while..have had so many near misses with drivers who cannot drive properly, i do not think age is the reason, people drive ‘big’ cars when they are not capable of seeing over the steering wheel and others need the whole road otherwise they ‘slam’ the brakes on.in a panic…luckily i have been a driver for 26 years and have never hit a thing, elderly drivers have to sit a re test when they reach a certain age and i feel they should do one for everyone and stop ‘targeting’ certain age groups!
I think all drivers should have a compulsory eye test at least every 5 years – there seem to be many drivers around with poor eye sight!
This elderly driver retest must be a very new thing as today no such thing and not even being talked about by the DSA but at aged 70 you have to reapply and confirm your ability to drive . The Police can get a medical report on an older driver and if the Dr considers a retest or licence to be revoked this will be done . More youngsters than mature drivers had to be retested last year as the year before.We in the Institute of Advanced Motorists had a 82 lady pass the advanced test. New drivers are in general likely by 1 in 4 to have an accident and a conviction within 2 years of passing DSA test with 22,000 being revoked . Answer this why does your insurance premium go down when you age and very costly when young ?
I think that it is a good idea for some of the restrictions mentioned on learner drivers, such as zero alcohol.
When I passed my test I did a pass Plus which you learnt to drive on motorways and country lanes with a driving instructor to help.
I think that motorway and country lane driving should be compulsory. I know that you cannot drive on a motorway until you have passed your test but there is some dual carriageways that could be used instead.
I myself find that the worst drivers are women in suvs on the school run. Thay cause hazards by parking in really stupid places and even block roads so that other cars cannot pass. I experienced is nearly every time I am in my car at school times.
Also in my experience there are more drivers that have already passed their test that are dangerous. eg when driving in the left hand Lane cars sitting on my towel because I am doing the speed limit and they do not want to change lanes. MIDDLE LANE DRIVERS do I need to say more!
People pulling out or changing Lane without indicating.
And Lane discipline on roundabouts.
Who would be funding the extra hours driving experience for learner’s. It is already extortionate to learn to drive.
Some people need to use cars as they can not use public transport, walk cycle or able to car share.
I definitely agree with tighter regulations, but I also feel this is to get cars off roads and more money out of people.
Yes we should try to protect our younger generation and introduce tighter regulations. My husband was a driving instructor for many years. Unfortunately he knew which young kid would soon cause an accident . I agree with Ree regarding people causing congestion near schools. They shouldn’t be allowed to park anywhere near teach kids to do a bit of walking and get some good fresh air.
Would be a good idea if older drivers who couldn’t see properly were also removed from our roads, you can always tell when you see one as they have there full beam on constantly at night and then slam their brakes on when another car drives past on the opposite carriageway.
But the older drivers are probably intelligent enough to know when to use their and not there.
Yes quite agree! There should be better their there everywhere! Get rid of the HID and LED lighting would be a very good idea.
I feel the driving test should be harder, but I also feel experience drivers should have retest every 5 yrs or so. Because a lot of people pick up bad habits.
yes long overdue.
A graduated power band system, so young drivers start with lower powered cars and then move up as they get experience, this should be related to the date of passing the tests, not age related.
All drivers, not just older drivers should be passed fit by a doctor, that would sort out bad eyesight and ill health problems, which are not just limited to the older driver.
Zero alcohol and drug limits are the way forward with life bans for the second offense. Also life bans for drivers that cause death by dangerous driving.
Teach new drivers to DRIVE not as it isat the present they are JUST taught how to pass the test if they manage first time it is a bonus on their adverts 99% firsttime passes
I think this system is a good idea and as several people have said ‘is well overdue’ in the UK.
My granddaughter whom lives in New Zealand started driving when she was 16 and took her advanced driving course about 18 months ago then was retested again mid 2017 with the UK driving test sort. After that test pass she is allowed to drive when she likes and can drive anyone. This was all completed before she was 18 and to date she has never had an accident. So lets hope the government bring this sort of test in quickly
I find it really alarming that someone who is less than 18 years old could have passed a standard and advanced driving test.
Are you really telling me that someone who has all of one years driving experience has encountered enough varied scenarios to be regarded as an advanced driver after passing a test?
Driving daytime, night-time, various different large cities with no previous familiarity of said city, driving those very very narrow country roads where they are only 1.5 cars width for 500m distance and may require very long reverse. Has she really experienced the full gamut of weather conditions, heavy rain, dense fog, deep snow, black ice….and all of this on dark country roads
An advanced test must be real limited if someone of 1yr experience can pass.
I would be thinking a minimum of 5 years driving experience before being allowed to “sit” an advanced test.
All very well and it will be good to see the rules on novice & young drivers tightened up, but who is going to enforce them? With 27% less Police currently watching our roads and mobile phones still being used whilst driving without a thought for the dangers, it seems that enforcement needs to be strengthened considerably.