Laura Sharman 12 July 2018

Campaigners warn of prioritising capacity over safety on roads

Road safety campaigners have warned the Government should not put capacity over safety after figures revealed lorry traffic on motorways has increased 15% in five years.

A survey of drivers by Brake found more than three-quarters said too much freight is being transported on motorways. More than a quarter of those surveyed also thought it was likely or highly likely they would be involved in a fatal or serious crash at some point in the future.

Joshua Harris, director of campaigns for Brake, said: 'Drivers are particularly wary over the increase in freight traffic and it’s clear that trials of truck platooning will only exacerbate this concern.

'We urge the Government to prioritise safety over capacity and to ensure that any change to our road environment, such as all-lane running, is robustly tested, and the public properly informed, before the roll-out on our roads.'

Figures published last week show lorry traffic on motorways reached a new peak of 7.9 billion vehicle miles in 2017.

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know image

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Traffic Management Orders Officer

Southwark Council
£45,852 - £53,319
Can you use your expertise in traffic management orders to help shape safer, more accessible streets? Southwark, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Southwark Council

Chief Executive

Aberdeen City Council
£188,973 - £199,973
This is one of the most significant leadership opportunities in local government. Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire
Recuriter: Aberdeen City Council

Executive Director for Place

Wokingham Borough Council
£148,609 per annum, plus benefits
Be an inspirational place shaper for Wokingham Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End/Home Working
Recuriter: Wokingham Borough Council

Contracts & Projects Technical Officer

Essex County Council
£31284.0000 - £35721.0000 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Contracts & Projects Technical Officer to provide support to the Contracts & Projects Manager within our Operat England, Essex, Braintree
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Occupational Therapist - Adult Social Care

Essex County Council
£38487 - £51834 per annum
Register your interest here to be notified of upcoming Occupational Therapist opportunities within Essex County Council's Adult Social Care services. England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner