An Australian state is imposing strict new restrictions on drivers with P plates to combat the rising toll on young drivers.
Following the introduction of Tom’s Law, from 1 December 2024, Western Australian motorists with a class P1 provisional license (red P plates) will be able to carry a single passenger with only a few exceptions.
The law is named after Tom Saffioti, 15, who was tragically murdered with his partner Mark Bogoni, 17, in 2021.
The car they were traveling in had five passengers and was driven by an 18-year-old man when it hit a curb and crashed into a tree in Seville Grove, a suburb in the southeast of Perth.
Before the new restrictions were announced, Tom’s mother, Samantha Saffioti, had lobbied the government to limit passenger numbers for P-plate drivers.
Mrs. Saffioti said ABC Radio Perth The restriction is a “no-brainer” that she believes will save lives.
“It’s been working in other states and I think it’s time for the Western Australian government to step up and…help protect our children.”
“Our children would learn not to be pressured by their peers, they would learn not to be distracted, they would learn the rules of the road and they would be able to drive safely,” he said.
From 1 December 2024, Western Australian motorists with a class P1 provisional license (red P plates) will be able to carry a single passenger, with only a few exceptions.
The new law restricting P-plate drivers to a single passenger is called ‘Tom’s Law’ in honor of Tom Saffioti (pictured), 15, who died with his partner Mark Bogoni, 17, in a car driven by a P. plate holder in 2021
“At the end of the day, they’re handling a gun.”
According to the Western Australia Road Fatalities and Serious Injuries Report 2023, WA young drivers aged 17 to 19 have the highest rate of serious injuries and death, 107 per 100,000 population, compared to other age groups. .
Announcing the new road rules, Premier Roger Cook said they were aimed at protecting the state’s least experienced drivers.
“Limiting the number of passengers for new drivers in the first six months after obtaining their license is a practical, sensible and enforceable measure that strikes the right balance to protect young drivers, their families and their friends,” said Mr. Cook.
Announcing the new road rules, WA Premier Roger Cook (pictured) said they were aimed at protecting the state’s least experienced drivers.
“The new changes, known as Tom’s Law, will mean WA has some of the most specific restrictions in the country when it comes to keeping P-plate drivers safe.”
Drivers with a red P plate in WA will only be allowed to carry more than one passenger if the occupants have been fully licensed for at least four years, are immediate family members or if the driving is work-related.