Young people of driving age are being criticised by the rightwing press for ‘refusing’ to drive. I say: leave those kids alone!
Being young has always been hard. Sure, it has its perks – more energy, first loves, first everythings – but I feel for the under-25s with still so many life hurdles left to clear. With the list of current social ills ranging from the housing crisis to social isolation and the any-day-now background note of environmental doom, I think it’s fair to say it’s not easy for young people today.
So when research last week from MoneySuperMarket found that driving age under-25s were costing their parents £1,300 a year in additional fuel from being ferried around – sparking unpleasant commentary about feckless young people “refusing” to drive – I found myself thinking: “Leave the kids alone, they’re doing their best!”
