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GEM calls on government to renew focus on road safety

By / 4 years ago / Latest News / No Comments

Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is urging the UK government to put in place a comprehensive new focus on road safety.

GEM calls for renewed focus on road safety as report reveals the UK had more road deaths in 2019 than in 2010

GEM calls for renewed focus on road safety as report reveals the UK had more road deaths in 2019 than in 2010

The call follows publication of the annual Road Safety Performance Index from the European Transport Safety Council, which shows there were more road deaths in 2019 (1,926) than in 2010 (1,909).

GEM chief executive Neil Worth said: “It is vital that we all grasp the opportunity to reshape the way we use the roads. In so doing we can push road deaths into a significant and permanent decline.

“We used our cars less during lockdown, we walked and cycled more. Let’s ensure there is the support and the infrastructure in place to ensure we can continue to do that safely.

“If government passes up this rare opportunity and allows a return to business as usual after the pandemic, the consequences for safer road use are likely to be dire, with all the signs pointing to rising – not falling – casualty numbers.

“We urge the government to take a strong lead in a comprehensive new focus on safer road use. Central to this should be support for safer walking and cycling, an achievable plan for long-term reduction of transport-based CO2 emissions, more attractive schemes for car sharing and moves to enforce laws designed to support safer road use.

“This is particularly important following the frighteningly large number of speeding offences being reported as lockdowns are lifted.”

“We believe a renewed commitment to safer road transport – as well as being ‘the right thing to do’ – will win the support of communities across the country.

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Jonathan Musk

Jonathan turned to motoring journalism in 2013 having founded, edited and produced Autovolt - one of the UK's leading electric car publications. He has also written and produced books on both Ferrari and Hispano-Suiza, while working as an international graphic designer for the past 15 years. As the automotive industry moves towards electrification, Jonathan brings a near-unrivalled knowledge of EVs and hybrids to Fleet World Group.