Transport Minister Audley Shaw has pledged that he will be putting an end to the practice of persons illegally purchasing drivers’ licenses.

Speaking at the official launch of York Castle High School’s driver education programme, this morning (January 27), the minister said the practice is contributing to road fatalities.

He noted that in 2022, 488 people died in crashes, with statistics from the Road Safety Unit showing young people up to 29 years old accounted for 170 deaths, the highest figure of any age cohort.

The Minister said excessive speed, with no regard for road and environmental conditions, are some of the reasons behind fatal crashes in this age group.

He noted that the practice of persons illegally acquiring licenses also contributes to road crashes.

The Minister further lamented that unqualified minors are operating vehicles across the island, contributing to road crashes.