A new report has called on the government to make the “most radical reforms to road safety since mandatory seat belts” in its upcoming Road Safety Strategy – the first of its kind in over a decade.
Titled “Safer Streets for All: The Upcoming Government Road Safety Strategy”, the report was co-commissioned by the road safety charities Living Streets and the Bikeability Trust. It outlines a series of recommendations, including an immediate nationwide ban on pavement parking and default 20mph speed limits in all urban areas.
Despite 20mph zones being highly controversial since their introduction in some areas of the UK, the report states that ‘quiet streets’ would help to make the school run safer for kids. Around 80% of survey respondents said there’s too much traffic around schools, supporting the need for reduced speeds, main road crossings, and vehicle restrictions during drop-off times.
It also calls for at least 10% of transport funding to be spent on cycling and walking infrastructure, and for mandatory cycle training to be added to the national curriculum. This recommendation is based on evidence that links Bikeability training with fewer deaths and serious injuries. Plus, cyclists who use their bikes weekly were more likely to answer Highway Code questions correctly.
Emily Cherry, chief executive of the Bikeability Trust, commented: “The opportunity to create a new Road Safety Strategy is a green light for the Government to make bold, historic changes that protect and enshrine the rights and safety of every road user, now and for future generations.
“Britain’s roads could become the gold standard for promoting active travel and protecting vulnerable users – our report recommendation has been informed by our work with parents, young people, children, teachers, experts, partners and delivery riders.
“We welcome the opportunity to work with (the) Government on reforming road safety as a significant contributor to the Government missions.”
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