Last updated 11:45, Monday, 11 August 2008

NEARLY three in four motorists are frightened of sharing the road with young drivers, a poll by Autoglass has revealed.

Those questioned called for a crackdown on drivers aged 17 to 20, including after-dark driving bans, driving test retakes, and restrictions on car engine sizes.

Around a quarter of the 2,500 respondents wanted young drivers to be banned from driving after dark.

Two-thirds said they should only be allowed to drive cars with small engines. Displaying P plates for a year after passing their test was thought to be a good idea by 61 per cent, while 31 per cent said if caught speeding they should be instantly banned.

Autoglass managing director Nigel Doggett said: “It is clear that many drivers are afraid of young motorists and want to see restrictions put in place to help them gain valuable driving experience, but with lower risk to themselves and others.”