The Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) has welcomed the launch of the Government’s first Road Safety Strategy in more than a decade, describing it as a significant and positive step towards achieving Vision Zero, a future where no one is killed or seriously injured on our roads.
Announced today, the strategy sets out an ambitious plan to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035, with an even stronger target of 70% for children under 16. By tackling the main causes of serious collisions; including drink and drug driving, speeding, mobile phone and seatbelt use, the strategy has the potential to save thousands of lives over the next decade.
The SERP welcomes the Government’s commitment to consult on proposals for a minimum learning period for learner drivers, along with a lower alcohol limit for novice drivers, mandatory eyesight testing for drivers over 70, alongside the development of cognitive testing options for older motorists.
Will Cubbin, Partnership Manager for the SERP, said: “We are extremely pleased to see that road safety is a high priority for the Government. This strategy is a hugely important step forward and one we strongly welcome. It recognises that road safety is a shared responsibility, so we look forward to exploring the details of the strategy in the coming weeks to turn ambition into the actions needed to achieve Vision Zero. The proposed consultations directly reflect what we see on Essex roads every day, particularly around young driver risk, drink driving and helping people to drive safely for longer as they age.”
To read the full strategy, visit: Road Safety Strategy
