L2P Program marks milestone

MORE than 400 young drivers across greater Geelong have gained their licence through a community-based program designed to reduce road trauma.

The L2P program is a partnership between community groups, councils, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and state government, and has been pairing young drivers without access to a vehicle or supervising driver with a volunteer mentor around Geelong since 2009.

It has taken more than 38,000 hours from volunteers to help the 400 learner drivers reach the minimum 120 hours needed to get their P-Plates since the program launched in Geelong.

“An outstanding milestone,” Geelong Mayor Peter Murrihy said.

“Road safety and good driving habits are things that the whole community benefit from and it’s really pleasing to see the role the Geelong TAC L2P Program has been able to play in supporting young drivers to achieve their goals.”

First launched in 2008 and open to those aged between 16 and 23, more than 60 Victorian councils now participate in the program that’s supported over 7,000 participants to get their P-Plates, and the opportunities that opens.

“Having a licence can be the key to securing employment or further education,” Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman said.

The L2P program supports the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, that aims to halve road deaths and reduce serious injuries by 2030 and eliminate road deaths by 2050.