A local charity Foundation, launched shortly after a local teen passed away following a tragic car crash, is on a mission to introduce a new licensing system for young drivers in the UK.

The Georgia Leigh Ogden Foundation was set up in memory of Georgia, who was killed in June 2020 at the age of 17 when the Suzuki Swift in which she was travelling as a passenger crashed into a HGV in Astbury, Cheshire.

Georgia's parents, Mandy and Mark, along with brother Josh and supportive members of the local community, have raised thousands since launching the foundation.

Now, they are petitioning the UK Government to “introduce a progressive licensing system for young drivers under the age of 24” in the hopes that passengers, drivers and their families will be more protected.

The Georgia Leigh Ogden Foundation team shared: "We fully support the need for a progressive driving licensing system in this country to try and prevent more young lives being needlessly lost on our roads and to prevent other families suffering the heartbreak we endure each and every day."

Georgia Leigh Ogden. Image credit: The Ogden Family.

 The petition is calling for:

• A minimum learning period of 40hrs to help young drivers gain skills and experience on different roads under different conditions 
• No carrying passengers 25 and under for the first year 
• Restrictions on driving at night between midnight and 6am 
• Mandatory hazard perception training

The Foundation's plea for support with this ongoing petition has been supported by Congleton Town Council, who said: "Let's show our strength in numbers for the future of all young drivers in our community and beyond." 

The petition can be signed via the following link: Introduce a progressive licensing system for young drivers under the age of 25 - Petitions (parliament.uk).

 It already has over 6,800 signatures, and needs 10,000 to be considered for debate in parliament.

For more information on the petition and Gee’s Foundation, head to the Foundation Facebook page.