
Newport takes centre stage at road safety conference
The trust was established in memory of Ms Smith, who died in a car crash in 2017 at the age of 21.
Dr Smith said: "A big thank you to all who helped organise the third Road Safety Conference in memory of our daughter Rhiannon.
"This includes our speakers, John Griffiths, and Langstone Community Council, who provided a grant towards the conference costs."
He said the event focused on achieving 'Vision Zero'—the goal of eliminating deaths and serious injuries on UK roads and graduated driving licences, the 20mph zones and hazards towards vulnerable road users.
Newport City Council representatives were in attendance, including Councillor Rhian Howells and Councillor Ray Mogford.
The recently formed St Julians and Beechwood Community Action Group also took part.
Mr Griffiths said: "Road safety is a fundamental issue for every community, not just in Newport but across Wales.
"I was proud to support this important conference and the powerful work of the Rhiannon Jade Smith Memorial Trust."
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Independent
16-07-2025
- The Independent
The smarter vehicle tech that's keeping British fleets safer on the road
Brigade Electronics is a Business Reporter client In an age of expanding cities and increasing delivery demands, keeping people safe around commercial vehicles has become a vital concern. A British company, Brigade Electronics, is at the forefront of efforts to reduce risks through practical technology that supports drivers and empowers safer decisions on the road. From its headquarters in Kent, Brigade has spent nearly 50 years improving commercial vehicle safety. What began with a reversing alarm inspired by one spotted in Tokyo in 1976 has grown into a global operation, employing more than 300 people and selling products in over 80 countries. Brigade's mission is rooted in a belief that safety is everyone's responsibility – and that positive outcomes come from aligning the best of human judgment with the right technology. 'Technology alone can't make roads safe,' says Managing Director Philip Hanson-Abbott. 'But it can help people make safer choices. The goal is to support the skill and judgement of drivers and fleet managers.' Vision Zero: a shared ambition Brigade's work contributes to Vision Zero, the global initiative working towards a future with no serious injuries or fatalities involving vehicles. It's an ambitious goal – but one Brigade sees as achievable with the right tools and attitudes in place. 'Vision Zero is about collaboration,' says Hanson-Abbott. 'We all have a part to play – from drivers and operators to fleet managers and councils. Our job is to make sure people have the information and confidence they need to act safely.' Brigade's products are designed to address real-world risks, such as blind spots around large vehicles or moments of distraction during long shifts. Its camera and sensor systems give drivers better visibility and timely warnings, helping them manoeuvre with more confidence and less stress, especially in busy urban environments. Smart tools, not just smart tech Recent advances in artificial intelligence have enabled Brigade to take a leap forward. Older sensor systems often triggered false alerts – treating a lamp post the same as a cyclist, for example. Over time, this could overwhelm drivers and lead to warning fatigue. AI systems now provide targeted alerts only when there's a meaningful risk. A cyclist in a blind spot triggers a visual warning; audible alarms only sound if a collision seems imminent. It's a more focused, less stressful experience for drivers – and one that enhances their awareness, rather than distracts from it. The same approach powers Brigade's driver fatigue and distraction monitoring. Cameras track signs of inattention and deliver alerts when needed. These tools aren't about surveillance – they're there to help drivers stay sharp and supported. 'Drivers carry a huge responsibility,' says Hanson-Abbott. 'We're not here to take over – we're here to give them the tools to do their jobs as safely and effectively as possible.' Insights that prevent, not just report Brigade's technology offers fleet managers a more proactive role in safety. Its video telematics and multi-camera systems deliver real-time data and video insight – not only recording what happened but helping to prevent it altogether. By analysing trends, behaviours and near misses, managers can address issues early, tailor driver support and improve fleet efficiency across the board. Brigade is investing heavily in an upgraded telematics platform, positioning it as a core component of its future offering and long-term growth strategy. Built on a tradition of innovation Brigade's influence stretches well beyond its own products. Many of the technologies it developed decades ago – such as blind spot detection systems and rear-view cameras – have now been mandated across the EU for all new vehicles. The team sees this not as an endpoint, but as encouragement to keep moving forward. 'We've always had followers, but we focus on leading,' says Hanson-Abbott. 'By innovating continually, we move the conversation forward and help shape the standards of tomorrow.' The company's achievements in international growth have earned it both the Queen's Award and the King's Award for Enterprise – recognition, Hanson-Abbott says, of the team's hard work and its commitment to improving safety, globally. A safer road ahead As talk of self-driving vehicles grows louder, Brigade remains grounded. Full autonomy in open environments may be years if not decades away. In the meantime, practical, intelligent solutions can make a meaningful difference now. 'Safety is about more than technology,' says Hanson-Abbott. 'It's about people – drivers, families, pedestrians. Our systems don't replace responsibility; they reinforce it. And if we all take steps together, we really can move towards a future where everyone feels safer around commercial vehicles.'

South Wales Argus
08-07-2025
- South Wales Argus
Newport takes centre stage at road safety conference
The third Rhiannon Jade Smith Road Safety Conference, organised by the Rhiannon Jade Smith Memorial Trust, was co-hosted by Newport East MS John Griffiths and the charity's founder, Dr Julian Smith. The trust was established in memory of Ms Smith, who died in a car crash in 2017 at the age of 21. Dr Smith said: "A big thank you to all who helped organise the third Road Safety Conference in memory of our daughter Rhiannon. "This includes our speakers, John Griffiths, and Langstone Community Council, who provided a grant towards the conference costs." He said the event focused on achieving 'Vision Zero'—the goal of eliminating deaths and serious injuries on UK roads and graduated driving licences, the 20mph zones and hazards towards vulnerable road users. Newport City Council representatives were in attendance, including Councillor Rhian Howells and Councillor Ray Mogford. The recently formed St Julians and Beechwood Community Action Group also took part. Mr Griffiths said: "Road safety is a fundamental issue for every community, not just in Newport but across Wales. "I was proud to support this important conference and the powerful work of the Rhiannon Jade Smith Memorial Trust."


BBC News
27-05-2025
- BBC News
More than 70,000 speeding offences detected in Kent in 2024
Cameras on the M25 at Swanley recorded more than 6,000 speeding offences last year, more than any others in Kent, the BBC can cameras covering the clockwise and anti-clockwise stretch of the motorway recorded the most offences, followed by cameras between junctions three and five in both directions on the M20, along with the A282 approach to the Dartford Crossing.A total of 70,202 vehicles were detected over the speed limit by cameras in the county in 2024.A further 7,850 fines were issued by roads policing officers. 'Stick to the limit' BBC South East previously revealed how one driver was detected speeding at 164mph on the M25 in Police said speeding was one of the 'fatal factors' that contributed to the highest number of road collisions resulting in deaths and serious Insp Craig West, head of Roads Policing, said: "Officers proactively target those who put other road users at risk, including on some of the busiest parts of the road network, where there's a greater risk of collisions occurring if motorists do not keep to the speed limit."We contribute to Kent County Council's Vision Zero strategy, which involves partners coming together and using a combination of engagement, education, enforcement and prevention methods to aim for as close to zero fatalities and life-changing injuries as possible."Our message to all motorists is a simple one – protect yourself and others by sticking to the speed limit." New figures obtained by the BBC from Kent Police show detections for both speed camera offences and tickets issued by officers were lower last year than in of speeding at camera locations in Kent are 2020, when there were over 84,000 detections, and 2024 they have dropped by 17%.The number of fines issued by police at the roadside have also declined in the last 2023, officers handed out 9,929 fines, 20% more than in between 2020 and 2024, cameras in Kent generated over £9.1m in penalties. The motoring organisation AA is calling on the government to introduce more dedicated roads policing Cousens, heads of roads policy at the AA, said: "Roads police should not become too reliant on camera technology. "Cameras are a very important tool to police the roads, but what they can't do is stop a driver in the act and it also cannot uncover the reason why they're speeding, perhaps they may be under the influence of drink or drugs, or playing with a hand held phone behind the wheel."We want at least 1,000 more [officers] by the end of this Parliament."The Home Office has been approached by the BBC for comment. 'We need more traffic officers' David Barton, a Kent solicitor who represents speeding drivers, believes more motorists are now heeding the warnings."I think people are more aware of the serious consequences for repeat offences," he said."People know that once you get to 12 points in a three-year period, you face a mandatory six month disqualification and it's getting increasingly difficult to persuade courts not to impose that disqualification." A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Strict enforcement and tough penalties are in place for those who choose to put lives at risk by speeding, and for anyone who drives without a licence."