The transport industry is continuing to respond to the UK Government’s Road Safety Strategy published yesterday.

National Fire Chiefs Council NFCC) Road Safety Lead, Dan Quin, said:

“NFCC strongly welcomes the announcement of a new road safety strategy, which is a crucial step towards reducing deaths and serious injuries on our roads. NFCC and organisations across the road safety sector have long warned that progress on road safety has dragged across the last decade and we are encouraged to see the Government recognising this and taking meaningful action.

“We particularly welcome the introduction of measures that strengthen young driver safety, including a consultation on a minimum learning period, although we would like to see the Government introduce greater protections for these vulnerable road users.

“NFCC has supported calls for the establishment of a new Road Safety Investigation Branch to bolster prevention strategies, and we are pleased to see this come to fruition today. It is also welcome to see the adoption of the Safe System approach, which is essential for a road network designed so that inevitable human mistakes do not result in death or serious injury. Embedding these principles is critical to a truly comprehensive and sustainable road safety framework.

“Whilst this strategy marks important progress, there remains scope to go much further to make our roads safer. Fire and rescue services already play a vital role in road safety, responding to over 32,000 road traffic collisions in England alone last year – a 17% increase over the past five years. Yet their statutory responsibilities remain limited to preparing for and responding to collisions. NFCC is calling on the Government to consult on expanding these duties to reflect the wide-ranging prevention activities fire and rescue services deliver, such as education campaigns and programmes that help people become safer road users.

“Crucially, the Goivernment must enusre its commitment to road safety is backed by the necessary investment in prevention and emergency response capabilities. Fire and rescue services stand ready to fulfil their critical role in reducing harm and saving lives. With the right support, we can make an ever greater impact.”

Meanwhile, Sarah McMonagle, Director of External Affairs at Cycling UK, said:

“The new Road Safety Strategy is a welcome and hugely important step from the government towards making our roads safer for everyone. We particularly welcome the inclusion of clear casualty reduction targets, which were scrapped in 2011. This was despite them being instrumental in halving road deaths under the previous Labour government. We’re also really pleased to see a Road Safety Investigation Branch with the aim of preventing future collisions.

“It’s also great to see the government encouraging more walking, wheeling and cycling – including by placing the internationally recognised Safe Systems Approach at the heart of the strategy. This suggests the government is serious about preventing collisions and saving lives by better managing and enforcing safer speeds.

“However, if we want safer streets, we also need to educate people on the rules and increase awareness of how the Highway Code changed four years ago. People first need to know the rules of the road before they can follow them. We urge the government to kick-off its ‘lifelong learning approach’ by investing in a major new road safety awareness campaign; the first step towards safer behaviour on our roads.”

David Crundall, Professor of Psychology at Nottingham Trent University, specialising in traffic and transport psychology, said:

“Road safety is a shared responsibility, and these consultations and proposals reflect important steps forward. Vision is critical for driving, and regular eye tests matter. Drivers whose eyesight falls below the legal minimum should not be on the road. However, evidence shows a weak link between visual acuity and crash risk, as many drivers with vision issues adapt their driving habits.

“Lowering the drink-drive limit aligns the UK with other countries and will promote safety. Some drivers will still push boundaries, but at a lower level. The challenge remains that proposed limits don’t translate into everyday measures like “a pint” or “a glass of wine,” so confusion will persist. The clearest message is simple: no alcohol is the only safe option.

“On vehicle safety technology, concerns post-Brexit about lagging behind Europe are addressed by the new strategy, ensuring UK drivers benefit from advanced systems like autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. But technology alone isn’t enough, we must train drivers to use it. Showroom staff often lack knowledge, and drivers rarely get a safe space to learn these features.

“The proposal for a six-month gap between theory and practical tests could form part of a graduated licensing system for young drivers. While the government resists a full GDL system to protect freedoms and job opportunities, safety experts will welcome this step, even if many believe it doesn’t go far enough.

“Finally, seatbelt compliance remains vital. Though traditionally low non-compliance rates have been reported, recent surveys suggest higher rates among some groups. Increasing penalties shows commitment to saving lives and may include educational courses similar to speed awareness programs.”

Emily Cherry, CEO of The Bikeability Trust, in response to the new UK Road Safety Strategy:

“As the Government’s Road Safety Education programme, Bikeability has enabled almost 6 million children to cycle safely and independently on our roads. The Bikeability Trust welcomes the Road Safety Strategy and stands ready to bring our expertise in road safety to support implementation.

“We particularly welcome the creation of the National Work-Related Road Safety Charter. We have already proposed revisions to the National Standard for Cycle Training to ensure that all types of cycles and journeys, including those for work, are governed by our proven training, which builds positive, safe and responsible road culture.

“We have experience working with Approved Driving Instructors through Cycle Savvy Driving, and will shortly launch new National Standards-based e-learning for adults wishing to cycle for work and leisure. This product will be key in addressing inconsistent and inadequate training and bring confidence to insurers and businesses to support cycling for work and lead to safer riding and a reduction in incidents. National Standards must be robust and include all legal forms of cycle, from cargo bikes to dockless bikes, e-scooters and pedicabs, and be future-proofed for all forms of transport.

“In our Safer Streets for All joint report with Living Streets, we recommended a range of measures to strengthen road safety and we will look forward to the detail in the strategy realising some of the recommendations.”