The latest road safety news in brief:
- Fire safety team trials electric bicycles (30 August)
- ‘Tough new real world test’ comes into force for diesel cars (29 August)
- Event will focus on air pollution and journeys to school (29 August)
Click here to read the road safety news in brief from the week commencing 21 August.
30 Aug: 15.15
Fire safety team to trial electric bicycles
The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has launched an electric bicycle trial for its business fire safety team in Swansea.
The trial is part of the Force’s efforts to reduce reduce its carbon footprint, as well as promote a culture of health and wellbeing in the workplace.
In preparation for the trial, BikeAbility Wales provided officers with the correct level of cycle training.
Mydrian Harries, corporate head of prevention and protection, said: “It was an honour to be at the launch of the electric bicycle trial which will see our Swansea based Business Fire Safety Officers travelling the lengths and breadths of Swansea to inspect business premises using these electric bicycles.
“With traffic congestion and vehicle travelling costs ever increasing this trial will be both an innovative and healthier way of working for our Officers as they go about their daily work.
“It was great to work with the charity and see first-hand the valuable cycling opportunities they provide to people of all ages and levels of ability at their base in Dunvant in Swansea.”
TUESDAY 29 AUGUST
29 Aug: 13.45
‘Tough new real world test’ comes into force for diesel cars
New models of diesel and petrol cars will have to pass a ‘strict’ new emissions test before they are allowed on Britain’s roads from 1 September.
Announced on Sunday (27 August), the tough standards come into force in what is being described by the Government as ‘the biggest overhaul of emissions rules in a generation’.
Under the old test, vehicles were tested in the lab on a rolling road but now they will have a 90-minute real world driving test. The limits are being introduced under European-wide reforms that the Government says it has led the way in calling for.
The nitrogen oxide emissions requirements for all new car models will be stricter again from 1 September 2020.
Paul Maynard, transport minister, said: "We are taking strong action to clean up our air and these tough new emissions standards will reduce dangerous pollutants.
"This government has led the way in Europe pushing for on-road emissions tests, alongside a tough new laboratory test, to clean up air in our towns and cities.
"This will ensure all vehicles meet rigorous standards when driven on our roads – and we are going even further tightening requirements again in 2020."
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29 Aug: 12.00
Event will focus on air pollution and journeys to school
A two-day event taking place in London on 4-5 October will look at what is being done to tackle air pollution and traffic danger on the journey to school – something described as ‘a new priority for public health’.
Organised by the FIA Foundation, the event will take a child health perspective to showcase, to an international policy audience, London’s approach to tackling air pollution and implementing healthy streets.
Confirmed speakers include Jean Todt, UN special envoy for road safety, Kevin Watkins, CEO, Save the Children UK and Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, chairman, FIA Foundation.
Day one will be held at London City Hall, with keynote and plenary discussion sessions, and will conclude with a reception at ‘London’s Living Room’.
Day two will take a workshop format, focusing on practical action and coalition building for better air quality, road safety and healthy, liveable streets for every child.
Click here to find out more.
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