A group of former Transport Ministers, including serving MP Sir Peter Bottomley, have written to the Transport Secretary to ‘swiflty’ adopt new vehicle safety measures that have been described as being the biggest advance in vehicle safety since the seatbelt by the UK’s Transport Research Lab.
Join other savvy professionals just like you at CIHT. We are committed to fulfilling your professional development needs throughout your career
The new measures include a package of 15 integrated ones, including better direct vision in HGVs, automated emergency braking that detects pedestrians and cyclists, and intelligent speed adaptation, comes into effect for vehicles made in the EU and in Northern Ireland from July. The UK actively supported these measures right up to the moment that it left the EU – two years ago this week. The UK now needs to adopt its own regulations or put the safety of UK road users at risk.
By adopting this package of measures, the UK automotive sector will benefit as it currently exports the majority of its new vehicles to the EU – where these standards will soon be mandatory. Additionally, these technologies are integral to the development of connected autonomous vehicles and are of minimal cost to both consumer and taxpayer. The measures particularly help avoid serious and fatal crashes and injuries and improve safety for vulnerable road users.
Previously, the Government had consulted on new vehicle regulations in November 2021, but the UK needs to reassert itself as the global leader in transport safety. The Future of Transport Regulatory Review is a critical opportunity for the UK government to place the UK at the forefront.
David Davies, PACTS Executive Director and author/managing editor of several CIHT Guidelines, including Cycle-friendly infrastructure and Providing for journeys on foot said:
There has been little progress in reducing road deaths and injuries over the past decade (apart from during the 2020 lockdown). Here is a package of measures that would kick start a new chapter. It comes at almost no cost to the government or the motorist. We support the call from former transport ministers for the government to at least match the standards that will apply in Northern Ireland. It could demonstrate the UK’s new independence by going further and faster.
Continue the discussion on road safety on CIHT Connect
#StepForward
Propose a colleague who successfully becomes a CIHT member and you’ll be automatically be entered into our free monthly prize draw where one lucky winner will receive a £50 John Lewis Gift Card.
Join other savvy professionals just like you at CIHT. We are committed to fulfilling your professional development needs throughout your career
{{item.AuthorName}} {{item.AuthorName}} says on {{item.DateFormattedString}}: