A coalition of nearly 50 road safety organisations and individuals, led by Brake, has written to the transport secretary urging the Government to adopt the latest Vehicle General Safety Regulation (GSR) updates into the GB Type Approval Scheme.
The call comes as Brake, in partnership with technology company Seeing Machines, launches a new report, Vehicle Safety Technology, to explore driver attitudes towards vehicle technology and how it is used. The study reveals overwhelming public support for the mandatory introduction of life-saving vehicle features.
The research, based on a nationally representative survey of more than 2,000 drivers, found that:
- 87% of drivers say the safety rating is important when choosing a new car
- Two-thirds (66%) are willing to pay more for safety features that protect themselves and their passengers
- 68% of drivers believe advanced emergency braking should be mandatory in all new vehicles
- 67% back mandatory intelligent speed assistance for all new vehicles
- Strong support was also found for driver drowsiness detection, reversing cameras, and other driver assistance technology.
In July 2022, under the Vehicle General Safety Regulation, a number of important vehicle safety features became mandatory for all new vehicles in the EU, including advanced emergency braking, intelligent speed assistance and attention warning in case of driver drowsiness.
Brake says these safety features can play a significant role in improving road safety, helping to prevent crashes and protect drivers and their passengers, as well as other road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
The Vehicle General Safety Regulation also includes key measures that enhance vehicle crash performance and will significantly improve the protection of women and the elderly in the event of a collision – providing fairer and more equitable transport.
Road safety experts have estimated that adopting the Vehicle General Safety Regulation in Britain could prevent more than 1,700 deaths and 15,000 serious injuries over 16 years, saving up to £7 billion in health costs if the full package of measures were to be fully implemented.
These features are already required as standard in the European Union and are now being rolled out in Northern Ireland, creating a safety gap for drivers and road users in Britain.
In its letter to Heidi Alexander MP, the coalition highlights that, with every day of delay, another five people die on UK roads, in collisions that may have been prevented if important vehicle safety features were available and active.
The letter, which has now been signed by nearly 50 organisations and individuals, states: “The question is no longer whether we should act, but when, and we believe that moment is now.”
Campaigners point to the successful cross-party passage of the Automated Vehicles Act as evidence that Westminster can move swiftly on safety reforms. They are urging the Government to show the same ambition in aligning the UK with international best practice on vehicle safety.
Ross Moorlock, CEO of Brake, said: “Drivers are clear: they want safer cars, they value life-saving technology, and they believe these features should be mandatory. With the evidence, the technology, and the public all on side, the only missing piece is Government action.
“Adopting these regulations will save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce the devastating impact of crashes on families and communities.”
The letter has been signed by representatives from organisations including the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), 20s Plenty for Us, The AA, RAC, TRL Academy, Road Safety Trust, National Motorcycle Dealers Association, the Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation and many more.
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