West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has welcomed the Government’s announcement of the first national road safety strategy in more than a decade.
The strategy has set targets to cut road deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035, and by 70% for children under 16.
The plan brings forward consultations on lowering the drink-drive limit in England and Wales, introducing mandatory eyesight tests for older drivers and considering minimum learning periods for new drivers.
The strategy also targets issues such as speeding, mobile phone use, uninsured vehicles and illegal ‘ghost’ number plates.
Local Transport Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: ‘Experts and campaigners have long called for a comprehensive strategy that treats road safety as a shared responsibility – from car manufacturers and town planners to drivers and legislators.
‘This strategy, the first in over a decade, shows a Government that is not just listening, but leading and together, we can build a safer future for all road users.’
Mayor Parker welcomed the new strategy, describing it as ‘a clear sign the Government is taking road safety seriously again.’
He added: ‘In the West Midlands, we’re determined to play our part. We’ve got the UK’s only Road Safety Commissioner, we’re backing tougher speed enforcement, safer street design and new technology to cut deaths and serious injuries – and that work is already making a difference on our roads.’
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