IAM RoadSmart has called the government’s Road Safety Statement announced today ‘a mixed bag’ with welcome news on road policing, pedestrian distraction and seatbelts, but a worrying lack of detail on younger and older drivers or motorcyclists.
Today the government, as part of the statement, also confirmed a review of roads policing and traffic enforcement will be launched later this year.
The two-year review will involve looking at how roads policing currently works and its effectiveness, where improvements could be made or any gaps that could be filled, plus how the police and different agencies work together and share information.
IAM RoadSmart welcomes the focus on road policing. Mike Quinton, IAM RoadSmart Chief Executive Officer, said, “This is fantastic news as the lack of traffic officers is our members’ most common complaint. Creating new road safety laws and increasing penalties has little impact on safety unless they can be fully and rigorously implemented.”
“The commitment to some form of Graduated Driving Licence is welcome with extra restrictions on young drivers and a lower blood alcohol limit but the lack of any timetable for implementation is worrying.”
