Britain’s new road safety strategy mandates vehicle safety technologies

The British Government has launched its first road safety strategy in more than a decade, which will mandate 18 new vehicle safety technologies, including autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance.

This, it says, will ensure drivers and road users in Great Britain benefit from access to these technologies and that it will encourage manufacturers to meet the same requirements across Europe.

The strategy is also aimed at drink driving, improving training for young drivers and introducing mandatory eye tests for older motorists.

Furthermore, the British Government will seek to lower the drink drive limit in England and Wales, which has remained unchanged since 1967 and is currently the highest in Europe.

A consultation will explore the use of preventative technology, such as alcohol interlock devices and new powers to suspend driving licences for those suspected of drink or drug driving offences.

This could mean that, in future, some drink drive offenders in Britain might be required to have one of these devices fitted to their vehicle as a condition of being allowed to drive again.

New measures will also target the growing problem of illegal number plates, including ‘ghost’ plates designed to fool camera systems, while also cracking down on uninsured drivers and vehicles without a valid MOT.

Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, said the Government are “taking decisive action to make our roads safer for everyone, from new drivers taking their first lessons to older motorists wanting to maintain their independence”.

“The measures we are announcing today will save thousands of lives over the coming decade,” he added.

The British Government aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries on its roads by 65 per cent by 2035, with a target of 70 per cent for children under 16.