Wyndham and Hobsons Bay L-platers are getting a helping hand getting behind the wheel.
The state government last week launched the WynBay L2P program, which recruits volunteers to help disadvantaged young people get their driver’s licences.
The volunteers will use specially provided cars to supervise up to 40 learner drivers under the age of 21 who are finding it difficult to clock up the required 120 driving hours due to family, economic or other circumstances.
The L2P program has helped 3953 young people across the state get their P-plates and given nearly 10,000 learners on-road driving practice since launching in 2010.
Wyndham council safer communities portfolio holder Kim McAliney said the initiative would have a real impact on the wider community.
“By introducing a program like L2P, we can help young people gain the skills they need to become safer drivers,” Cr McAliney said.
“Road safety is a major issue in our community. Over the last five years, 2635 young drivers aged between 18 and 25 were involved in collisions in Wyndham and Hobsons Bay. Tragically, 10 of these young people were killed and 321 were seriously injured.”
Wyndham and Hobsons Bay councils, VicRoads, Laverton Integrated Services, Bendigo Bank Community Grants Program and Kia Motors Hoppers Crossing are supporting the initiative.
To join an L2P program, participants must be aged between 16 and 20, hold a current learner’s permit and not have access to a vehicle, a supervising driver or both.
For more information, go to bit.ly/1s61XM2
