Young people have criticised calls from a motoring organisation to stop newly qualified drivers from carrying passengers their own age.

The AA estimates that introducing a six month ban for new drivers under 21 could save lives and prevent hundreds being injured every year. 

The restriction would be a form of a graduated driving licensing (GDL) and would involve a G plate being installed on the young driver’s car to aid police enforcement.

According to Department for Transport (DfT) figures 290 people were killed and 4,669 were seriously injured in crashes on Britain’s roads last year involving at least one driver aged 17-24.

Sophia Crabb, 16, who is studying on a level 2 art and design course at Suffolk New College said the proposals would increase congestion.

The Kesgrave resident said: "I think it makes it inconvenient – especially if you have a sibling and no one else can take them – then they have to find someone else (to get a lift) and it’s not always easy to do that. It also means that more people are going to have to have separate, cars so it will increase road traffic.”

Noah Copper and Sophia Crabb. Noah Copper and Sophia Crabb. (Image: Suffolk New College.)

However, Harvey Mower, 16, from Debenham, studying on a multi-skills course in construction at Suffolk Rural College disagreed and argued that many young newly qualified drivers face extra pressure when carrying passengers.

He said: "It makes sense as lots of first-time drivers aren’t confident enough to have passengers. The pressure is higher if you have friends in the car.”

Grace Freeman-Tinsley, 17, from Ipswich, studies at One Sixth Form College and said that she felt that a ban could be unfair on younger drivers who were very careful.

The 17-year-old performing arts student said: “I understand if it saves lives and when some people drive they want to show off. But it’s frustrating for the people who are careful. I get it – but it’s also annoying.”

The AA says the ban could save eight lives and prevent 934 people being seriously injured in road crashes each year.

Although the government is not thought to be considering introducing a GDL scheme at this stage it has provoked considerable debate.

GDL type restrictions already exist in the US, Canada, Australia, and Sweden.