The Institute of Transport Administration (IoTA) has welcomed publication of the first Road Safety Strategy by the government.
Chair Greg Powell, who is also a director of Bedfordshire coach operator Cozy Travel, describes the Strategy as “a landmark moment for improving safety.” Its publication sits alongside first steps towards a number of proposed measures becoming law via the commencement of a number of consultations.
Mr Powell notes how setting “new ambitious targets,” including a 65% reduction in those killed or seriously injured on roads by 2035, should be applauded. Doing so places the internationally recognised Safe System approach at the heart of government policy, he adds.
“Bringing all the measures together in a single strategy, with outcomes measured and reviewed by the Department for Transport, will help to improve our roads for the benefit of all,” Mr Powell continues.
Among proposals in the Strategy is making 18 safety technologies a legal requirement on all new vehicles, including coaches and buses. A consultation on that is now open.
Such an approach would bring Great Britain into line with Northern Ireland and Europe, where those measures have been required since July 2022. Although the UK participated in making the EU legislation, it was not transferred into British law because of Brexit.
IoTA notes how such an approach means that safety requirements differ between Britain and Northern Ireland, and that there is a resulting danger that British users may see an increase in costs for optional safety systems that are standard in the rest of Europe.
IoTA has also welcomed the government’s decision to explore opportunities to further the DVSA Earned Recognition (ER) scheme. The Institute acknowledges the value ER has in allowing compliant operators to get on with their business while enforcement is targeted elsewhere.
“Cutting corners on safety can endanger lives and distort fair competition – which is why robust enforcement remains essential,” it observes.
Download the Road Safety Strategy here, and the vehicle safety technologies consultation here.
