Department for Transport has “wasted an opportunity” to demonstrate leadership on road safety, according to an influential group of MPs.

Last Friday the Transport Select Committee published Government’s response to its recent report into road safety. In it the Department for Transport said that casualty reductions are “achievable if everyone plays their part”.

But the Transport Committee’s chair Louise Ellman (pictured) hit back, saying: “Generalised talk about everyone playing their part to bring road casualties down should not be allowed to hide central Government’s responsibilities. (It must) keep local authorities, the police, other agencies and the public fully focused on delivering significant and sustained improvements in road safety.”

Committee had also recommended that Government complete an independent review of driver training before the end of this Parliament, to help reduce casualty rates among young people. DfT said that Government “does not believe an independent review of driver training would be appropriate”.

Ms Ellman continued: “I am particularly disappointed that Government hasn’t accepted this recommendation, especially given the high casualty rate for young drivers.”

Institute of Advanced Motorists’ policy director Neil Greig added: “We support a review of driver training, especially for young drivers. Post test training in the first 12 to 18 months after passing the driving test would save lives.”

Department for Transport said in a statement: “Road safety is a top priority and Great Britain’s roads are some of the safest in the world. Government has continued to drive forward further ways of improving road safety and will continue to find new and innovative ways of making our roads even safer.”