Road users across Southport and the northern parishes are set to benefit from the Government’s new Road Safety Strategy, the first plan in over a decade to make our roads safer for everyone.
Last year alone four people on average died every day on England’s roads, with thousands more seriously injured each year.
These tragedies are preventable.
The new strategy sets out bold measures to tackle the root causes of road collisions, harness new technology, and ensure enforcement keeps pace with modern risks.
The reforms will:
• Introduce tougher action on drink and drug driving, including consulting on lowering the drink-drive limit
• Mandate cutting-edge safety technologies in new vehicles
• Improve driver training and testing, including a proposed minimum learning period for learner drivers
• Update speed limit guidance and invest in safer road design
• Establish a new Road Safety Investigation Branch to learn from collisions and prevent future harm
The strategy also commits to a 65% reduction in deaths and serious injuries on GB roads by 2035, and a 70% reduction for children, using a 2022–2024 baseline.
Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, said:
“Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that devastates families and communities. For too long, progress on road safety has stalled. This strategy marks a turning point.
“We 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.”
MP for Southport and the northern parishes, Patrick Hurley said:
“I’m proud to welcome the Government’s new Road Safety Strategy – a landmark step that reflects the values of our community. These reforms will save lives, protect vulnerable road users, and ensure the high standards of safety that local people expect.
“In addition, in my continued support for Sight Safe, a campaign in memory of Marie Cunningham, I will continue to call for obligations for healthcare professionals to report to the DVLA, drivers who are at risk of posing a danger on the roads.”
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