The government’s long-awaited road safety strategy launched this week is a warning shot to operators, with those demonstrating adequate training and data oversight better protected, lawyers said.
The department for transport’s strategy includes plans to reduce deaths and serious injuries on the roads by 65% over the next decade.
There is an even more stretching target of 70% for children under 16.
The plan includes consulting on lowering the drink drive limit – currently the highest in Europe – and taking targeted action on drug-driving, not wearing a seatbelt, mobile phone use and speeding.
Heidi Alexander, secretary of state for transport, 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.”
Law firm LMP Legal said one of the most notable developments was a national work-related road safety charter, which will establish a national standard for employers whose staff drive for work.
The charter will initially operate on a voluntary basis, but LMP Legal partner Charlotte Le Maire said regulatory measures would be considered if engagement is low.
“That wording is important,” Le Maire said.
“In our experience, voluntary schemes often become the benchmark against which businesses are judged after a serious incident.
“Operators who ignore this risk being seen as falling below expected standards, even before any formal regulation is introduced.”
LMP warned that the government’s strategy placed a heavy emphasis on data-led road safety, which increased exposure on haulage operators already collecting driver data.
“Telematics can be a powerful safety tool, but it cuts both ways,” said Le Maire.
“If a business holds data showing repeated speeding, fatigue or risky behaviour, the question after a collision will be: what did you do about it?
“Collecting data without acting on it can create liability rather than reduce it.”
Le Maire added that there was also a deliberate move away from the term ‘accident’ in favour of ‘collision’, which reinforced a focus on preventability and accountability: “Language matters.
“We’re already seeing investigations place far greater weight on early driver accounts and roadside statements.
“Fleets need to ensure drivers know how to respond after a serious incident, because the first few minutes can shape everything that follows.”
Logistics UK said the sector already led the way on safety standards and it was ready to work with Ministers in order to shape the new measures and ensure they were practical and evidence-based.
Maddi Solloway-Price, Logistics UK head of road freight policy, said: “Logistics UK anticipates working closely with the department for transport on the national work-related road safety charter pilot scheme, and we will also seek to participate fully on the expert advisory panel that will advise the new road safety board.”
