2.1.3 – The role and powers of devolved bodies in the UK, and the impact of this devolution on the UK
Last week, Northern Ireland became the first region to announce plans to introduce graduated driving licences. The new rules will begin in October and are particularly aimed at young drivers. The NI Executive has pointed out that 17–23-year-olds account for 24% of fatal or serious road traffic incidents, while making up just 8% of licence holders.
The changes introduce additional rules for new drivers. These include a minimum number of hours learning hours and limits on the number of passengers new drivers will be allowed to carry.
Northern Ireland is able to introduce these measures because road traffic law is a devolved power. This means that responsibility for this area has been delegated to the Northern Ireland Assembly, allowing it to make its own laws. These devolved powers differ from reserved powers, which remain under the control of the Westminster Government.
In the coming months and years, other UK governments are likely to examine the impact of this policy on road safety and its wider effects. They may then choose to introduce similar legislation in their own regions.
This shows how devolved regions can act as “legislative laboratories”, where laws are effectively tested before potential adoption elsewhere. There are several examples of this in the UK. One is the introduction of a levy on plastic bags when shopping. This policy was first introduced in Wales in 2011, followed by Northern Ireland in 2013, Scotland in 2014, and England in 2015.
Given that graduated driving licences have already been discussed by other governments, it seems likely that similar measures could eventually be adopted across the UK. However, this will depend on the evidence and data gathered from Northern Ireland following implementation.