More Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as lane-keep assist, will become mandatory on new cars sold in the UK, while “reforms to motorcycle training, testing and licensing” will be introduced to keep some of the most vulnerable of road users safe.
All of this, the Government says, will aid in its target of reducing road casualties by 65 per cent by 2035, and by 70 per cent for those aged under 16. Local transport minister, Lilian Greenwood MP, said: “One of the hardest parts of my job is speaking to families who have lost loved ones on our roads and this is something we as a Government are taking action to prevent. No family should have to endure that loss, and this strategy sets out how we will work to ensure fewer do.”
What’s the reaction been like?
Despite its arrival almost 14 months after its original announcement, reaction to the Government’s plans has been overwhelmingly positive, if still cautious over its implementation.
“The simple truth is that this strategy can’t come soon enough,” said Dennis. “Britain might have some of the safest roads by international standards, but on average four people are still killed and 76 seriously injured every single day. That’s an unacceptable number of lives being ruined or cut short.”
Such thinking has been echoed by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents; senior policy manager, Rebecca Guy, explained how: “[the] strategy signals a renewed determination to tackle preventable road harm. It must now be delivered effectively, with sufficient investment and support, so its measures have [a] real impact on our roads.”
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