Campaign highlight – Road Safety Strategy includes commercial vehicles in scope

Logistics UK supports the Road Safety Strategy, with proposals to mandate vehicle safety technologies in commercial vehicles.

The Department for Transport (DfT) published its long-awaited Road Safety Strategy, which aims to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on British roads. It focuses on speeding, driving under the influence and mobile phone use.

Most relevant to the logistics sector, within a wider programme of consultations and regulatory initiatives, the strategy includes proposals to mandate a new suite of vehicle safety technologies as part of GB type approval, with the aim of reducing collisions while maintaining alignment with EU and Northern Ireland standards.

It also commits to the development of a new Work-Related Road Risk Charter for employers, intended to promote good practice and accountability for those who drive as part of their work. The Charter will be reviewed after two years to evaluate its effectiveness with the DfT reserving the right to initiate regulatory action.

With safety being such a critical subject, Logistics UK supports its publication along with all initiatives to reduce deaths and serious injuries.

The business group will be working closely with the Department for Transport on the Charter pilot scheme and is seeking to participate fully on the Expert Advisory Panel that will advise the new Road Safety Board.

The sector will continue to work with government to ensure that new measures are practical, evidence-based and support the workforce who spend their lives on Britains roads and keeping the UK’s economy moving.