Liberal MLA Shawn Graham slammed the province’s proposed changes to the graduated licence program in his first critique of the Alward government since 2010.

The former premier has refrained from criticizing the Alward government in the last two years, despite maintaining his Kent riding.

Graham, however, told the legislature on Wednesday that he felt it was necessary to speak out on the proposed changes to the graduated licence system.

He said he has "deep concerns" about plans to cancel the nighttime ban for novice drivers and urged the premier to "do the right thing" and withdraw the proposed amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act.

"When our government introduced these restrictions for young drivers, we knew that it would be politically inconvenient," said Graham.

"However, we also knew it was the right thing to do since it would save young lives and make our roads safer for all New Brunswick motorists."

Graham says research shows half of all teenage motor vehicle deaths and 64 per cent of all injuries occur between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Under the proposed amendment, introduced in the legislature on Nov. 29, Level 2 graduated licence holders would no longer be restricted from driving between midnight and 5 a.m.

Public Safety Minister Robert Trevors has said the night-driving restriction, in place since 2009, was a hardship for many New Brunswickers and there was no evidence it was improving safety.

Level 1 graduated licence holders, who have not yet taken taken a road test, would still be prohibited from driving, Trevors has said.