What are the new 'R' plates in Australia?

New 'R' plates will shortly begin appearing on Australian roads.

The 'R' stands for 'return', with the plates signifying to other road users that the driver is getting back behind the wheel after a traumatic road-experience.

It aims to prompt road users to give the driver more space and patience.

"Returning to the road can be a scary and nerve-wracking experience, so even just having those feelings recognised could help people to recover faster." commented Dr Jason Thompson, Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne.

The announcement of the initiative has prompted mixed responses, ranging from those who see benefit in utilising the plates, to others expressing concern that it may lead to drivers being targeted.