Wairarapa ire at driving age | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

The raising of the driving age has drawn fire in Wairarapa amid warnings the change unfairly burdens some rural families and young workers.

The passing of the Land Transport Safety Amendment Bill last week will hobble some younger workers and their families in and beyond the region, says James Sleep, former Masterton man and spokesman for the Council of Trade Unions youth wing, Stand Up.

Mr Sleep said the council organisation was "disappointed" with the new transport law, which does not include a provision for exemptions.

He said younger people "will now struggle" to access work, education and community activity. "Increasing the driving age is only going to delay the issues associated with unskilled drivers on the road. It's not an age issue, it's a skill issue," Mr Sleep said.

"This country doesn't offer free or cheap and accessible professional driver training. It's a pity the Government has decided to keep the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff and not move it to the top by committing to free or highly subsidised professional driver training and spending more on public transport," he said.

Mr Sleep said younger workers would find it more difficult as well to travel to and from work.

"Many young people in New Zealand start working around 15 to help support their families. Their ability to drive a car is important to them. It's disappointing that the Government is not prepared to consider exemptions for young drivers who need this mobility."

Wairarapa Federated Farmers president Paul McGill said similar trials will face younger rural workers in the region and families with younger members who need to be independently mobile for schooling and social activities as well.

He said the ferrying of younger family members to work or school, who could have otherwise found their own way, will also rob tight farming schedules of vital time.