SAGA — Doing things properly

With the Road Minister, Jim Fitzpatrick, announcing a cut in speed limits across the UK as part of the Government’s campaign to reduce road deaths by one third by 2020, this is a hot subject for debate.

Even though there are 5,000 fewer deaths on our roads each year than there were in the 1960’s, it would appear that the UK is, in fact, slipping behind our European cousins when it comes to road safety. During the late part of the 1990’s Britain had the safest roads in Europe but now, we’re trailing behind Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and unexpectedly, Malta.

Driving down fatalities

So how will the Government look to reduce accidents on the UK’s roads? Well, the speed limit on some A-roads in rural areas will be lowered to 50mph and a new limit of just 20mph will be introduced “in all streets which are primarily residential in nature.” Ultimately, final decisions about setting speed limits will be made by local authorities, but with such a strong directive from the Government, it’s likely that we will see a widespread drop in speed limits across the country.

Why target speed limits?

It would appear that the Government might well be running out of measures in its quest to improve road safety. Seat belts are already compulsory, drink-driving penalties are harsh and those yellow boxes at the side of the road are only too common a sight. The Government is left with little choice. Or is it? The current drink-drive limit could be lowered so it sits in line with the limit enforced across most of Europe. A move many road safety campaigners see as far more favourable. Another area the Government could tackle is that of the 1.5 million uninsured drivers on the UK’s roads. Something all car insurance companies would welcome.

Is dropping speed limits the right thing to do?

Many reactions to the Government’s plans have been negative. The general belief, by driving groups, is that the main cause of accidents is a result of poor driving and a blanket drop in speed limits is wrong. A sentiment echoed by the president of the AA, Edmund King.

“Reducing the speed limit in a blanket manner is the wrong approach as this does not address the specific issues. Whatever the limit, drivers should not drive to the limit but should drive at a speed appropriate to road design and conditions.”

What else can be done?

Research suggests that lowering speed limits is not, by itself, enough for the Government to hit its target of preventing 1,000 deaths by 2020. So what else can be done? In fairness, the Government is also planning to restructure the current driving test. Figures show that one fifth of new drivers have an accident within just a year of taking their test. By making the test tougher and longer to pass, it’s hoped to improve driving standards and abilities. Although, this will come at cost – which will have to be met by an already financially challenged public.

Will it all work?

So, will the Government’s measures to improve road safety work? Well, the number of fatalities on our roads is still falling, even if that fall has slowed down. Hopefully, after an initial introductory period, the Government’s new plans will help speed that things up.

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