Latest news with #roadsafety
Daily Mail
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Drink-drive deaths up 7% in a decade - as Labour plots breathalysers in new cars for convicted offenders
The number of drink-driving deaths on Britain's roads have increased 7 per cent in the past 10 years, new figures published by the Department for Transport show. It estimates 260 people died in crashes in 2023 in which a driver was over the alcohol limit. While this represents a 14 per cent reduction on the previous 12 months, it is still higher than fatalities linked to drink-driving in 2013. The data suggests 16 per cent of road deaths in 2023 involved drink-driving. These new statistics come in the wake of fresh news that Labour is considering adopting EU rules around car safety features, which would mandate all models sold in Britain need equipment to facilitate the installation of in-car breathalysers. This would allow 'alcolock' breathalysers to be fitted to cars of convicted drink drive offenders on court orders. They prevent drivers from being able to start the car's engine until they supply a legal sample of breath. The DfT's figures show that 5 per cent of casualties of all severities in 2023 occurred in drink-drive collisions. However, the breakdown varies across different countries. While the 5 per cent figure is consistent for England and Scotland - the latter having stricter drink drive limits - the average is higher in Wales (7 per cent). 'In general, the proportion of collisions involving a drink-driver has been higher in Wales over the past decade,' the report said. Meanwhile 124 people died due to drug driving in 2023, up from 90 people in 2022, the numbers show. The Department's published data also highlights a greater proportion of drink-drive collisions occurring late at night and in the early hours of the morning, reaching a peak of 8 per cent occurring between 11pm and midnight. The lowest proportion of drink-drive collisions occurred between 11am and midday, with 1 per cent. The data is also evidence male drivers are over-represented in drink-drive collisions. The majority of drivers involved in road injury collisions overall are men, with an even higher proportion of drink-drivers being male. In 2023, 80.6 per cent of drink-drivers were male. However, males made up only 69.3 per cent of drivers (excluding cyclists and horse riders) involved in all collisions where the gender of the driver is known. RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis called the figures 'disturbing' and a 'frightening number of lives lost' on the UK's roads. 'It's simply unacceptable that an estimated 260 people a year lose their lives as a result of drink-drivers,' he said. 'It remains the case that the proportion of road deaths where drink-driving was a cause is at a similar level to the late 1980s. Drugs, too, are playing an increasing role in fatalities and are now behind a record number of fatal collisions. 'A new approach to tackling these repugnant crimes is desperately needed. We hope this will be a key part of the Government's forthcoming road safety strategy.' Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, added: 'While drink driving fatalities fell by 14 per cent between 2022 and 2023, drug driving deaths rose by 38% during the same period. 'This is truly shocking, and more needs to be done to stop people getting behind the wheel while impaired. 'More education, roadside testing and enforcement are key to get the message across that driving under the influence won't be tolerated.' Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, says Britain has become 'stuck in a dangerous rut' of not being able to reduce the death toll on our roads. 'We must redouble our efforts on enforcement, providing the police with the necessary tools to clamp down on drink drivers while reviewing our approach to both first time and repeat offenders,' he told us. The drink-drive limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood. Nowhere else in Europe has a limit above 50mg/100ml. The Scottish Government reduced its limit to that level in 2014. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency statistics previously obtained by the PA news agency revealed 27,837 British motorists were convicted of drink-driving multiple times in the 11 years to 20 July 2024. Some 372 were caught at least four times, including four who were prosecuted on seven occasions. Labour 'considering' EU car safety tech - including breathalyser facilitation The report comes as Labour is said to be preparing to follow European laws and mandate that all new cars are fitted as standard with a raft of safety features, including black box-style recorders and equipment that enables breathalyser installations. Sir Keir Starmer's Government and the UK's automotive trade body has argued that differences in car manufacturing between Britain and Europe will lead to higher costs being passed on to the customer. But critics argue that the PM would be turning his back on the nation's freedom to set out its own regulations as part of Brexit. Lord Hendy, Minister of State for the Department for Transport, stated earlier this week in parliament that the government 'takes an explicit presumption in favour of alignment' in regard to how cars are manufactured. He added that the Government would be 'considering options for requiring the fitment of the safety technologies mandated by the EU's general safety regulation'. GRS2 regulations have been introduced over a three-phase period in the EU, beginning in July 2022. Included among the 19 mandatory features demanded for new cars entering European showrooms from 7 July 2024 is automatic speed limiters, driver drowsiness alert, Emergency Lane Keeping Systems, and 'Alcohol Interlock Installation Facilitation' - or AIIF. This would allow for the application of aftermarket alcohol interlock devices in vehicles. Alcolocks are already used in Finland, Belgium, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and many parts of the US. A recent poll found 53 per cent of drivers would support court-ordered breathalysers being fitted to cars of convicted drink-drivers in Britain. 'We've consistently been calling for a change in approach when it comes to reducing alcohol-related road deaths, as it's clear the status quo isn't working,' the RAC's Rod Dennis said. 'RAC research shows drivers are supportive of courts being given the powers to mandate the fitting of alcohol interlocks to offenders' vehicles to prevent them driving drunk again. This has the potential to reduce drink-drive casualties, especially among habitual offenders. 'Since 2022 we have urged the Government to consider mandating all new vehicles have interfaces that allow alcolocks to be fitted easily. 'We are also supportive of police being given the powers to immediately disqualify any driver who fails a drink or drugs test at the roadside.' EU mandated new vehicle safety technologies through the General Safety Regulation (GSR2) Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA): recognises traffic signs and provides an overspeed warning. It warns the driver when the speed limit is exceeded to increase speed limit compliance and reduce the severity of collisions. Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB): a collision avoidance feature that scans the forward path of the vehicle for potential impact targets and applies braking to avoid or mitigate a collision. Driver Drowsiness & Attention Warning (DDAW): an occupant monitoring feature using a driver-facing camera for direct driver monitoring. If it detects a driver looking away from the road for too long, it triggers warnings. Emergency Lane Keeping System (ELKS): a collision avoidance feature using forward-facing cameras and RADARs to prevent a vehicle leaving the lane of travel. Alcohol Interlock Installation Facilitation (AIIF): allowing for the application of aftermarket alcohol interlock devices in vehicles. Event Data Recorder (EDR): a black box in all cars that records and stores vehicle data shortly before, during, and immediately after a road traffic collision. Electronic Stability Programme (ESP): helps to prevent a loss of control in cornering and during emergency steering by stabilising the car if it veers off its intended path. This is generally already fitted to most new models. Emergency Stop Signal (ESS): when brakes are forcefully applied, the rear indicator lights will flash to alert other vehicles behind the car. Reversing Detection Systems (RD): alerts the driver to the presence of people or objects at the rear of the vehicle with the primary aim of avoiding collisions when reversing. Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS): monitors tyre air pressure and provides feedback in real-time to the driver to prevent accidents caused by under-inflated tyres. Cybersecurity: addresses the increase in connected vehicles on European roads which require robust cybersecurity to prevent them from being stolen.
CTV News
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- CTV News
Ottawa's red-light cameras issue $5.5 million in fines so far in 2025: Here are the hot spots
The city of Ottawa's Open Data shows there are 85 red light cameras set up at Ottawa intersections Ottawa motorists appear to be stopping more often at intersections, as the number of red-light camera tickets continues to drop this year. Statistics available on the City of Ottawa's website show 16,857 tickets for red-light camera violations have been issued in the first five months of the year, down from 19,823 tickets in the January to May period of 2024 and 20,744 red-light camera tickets during the same period in 2023. The red-light camera on Wellington Street eastbound at Bay Street is Ottawa's busiest red-light camera, with 839 tickets issued in the first five months of the year. Three of Ottawa's 12 busiest red-light cameras are located on King Edward Avenue. The camera on King Edward northbound at St. Andrew has caught 722 red-light runners through the first five months of the year, while the camera on King Edward northbound at Besserer Street has issued 604 tickets for red light camera violations. The camera on King Edward Avenue southbound at St. Patrick Street has issued 367 tickets for red-light camera violations in the January to May period. The red-light cameras along Catherine Street have also been busy this year. The camera on Catherine Street westbound at Kent Street has issued 327 tickets for red-light camera violations, the camera at Catherine Street westbound at O'Connor and the Highway 417 on-ramp has issued 392 tickets and the camera on Catherine Street northbound at Kent has issued 311 tickets. The fine for being caught running a red light by the red-light camera is $325. The ticket for running the red light is issued to the registered owner of the vehicle, regardless of who is driving the car at the time of the alleged offence. Revenue from the red-light camera program is intended to support road safety. A report from the auditor general earlier this year found $10.7 million in funding from red light cameras installed since 2020 was not 'used exclusively for road safety issues.' Nine cameras have issued zero tickets for red-red light camera violations so far in 2025. Ottawa's 13 busiest red-light cameras in the first five months of 2025
Zawya
10 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
The Integrated Transport Centre launches two rest stops for delivery bike riders in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi – The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has inaugurated two new rest stops dedicated to delivery bike riders in Rabdan and Shakhbout City in Abu Dhabi. The initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma'an, the Government of Abu Dhabi's official channel to receive social contributions, is part of a joint effort to improve working conditions and enhance road safety for delivery riders. This initiative addresses the daily challenges faced by delivery riders. It is part of a comprehensive plan to improve the quality of services provided to them, ensuring a safe and comfortable working environment, especially during the hot summer months. It also aligns with the 'Summer Without Accidents' campaign and reflects both entities' commitment to supporting this vital workforce, which is considered a cornerstone of the logistics and delivery sector. The initiative also embodies the values of the 'Year of Community 2025' and underscores the importance of social cohesion and improving the quality of life for all segments of society. The rest stops are equipped with essential amenities to ensure rider comfort, including shaded and air-conditioned areas, comfortable seating, cold drinking water, and charging points for electronic devices. Safety and sustainability elements were also considered in the design, featuring amenities such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and dedicated parking areas equipped with tire air pumps. Additionally, both rest stops are environmentally friendly and powered by solar energy, in line with Abu Dhabi's sustainability principles. Eng Abdulla Hamad Al Eryani, Acting Executive Director of the Planning and Strategic Affairs Sector at the ITC, stated that this initiative aligns with the Centre's ongoing efforts to improve the working conditions of delivery riders. He noted that providing safe and comfortable facilities helps increase their commitment to road safety rules and enhances the efficiency of this essential sector, which plays a key role in the transport and services ecosystem. He added that this initiative is part of the Abu Dhabi Government's broader efforts to achieve balanced and sustainable development that supports the overall quality of life in the emirate. H.E. Faisal Al Hammoudi, Executive Director of the Social Investment Fund at the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma'an, said: 'This project reflects our commitment at the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma'an to supporting all segments of society and enhancing the quality of life for citizens and residents across Abu Dhabi. Through this collaboration with the Integrated Transport Centre, we aim to provide a safe and comfortable work environment for delivery bike riders, whose work is crucial to providing efficient delivery service across the city. This collaboration also falls under the Authority's 'From the Community to the Community' initiative, which aims to strengthen community engagement and commemorate projects funded through community contributions in support of key social priorities. The initiative contributes to reinforcing social cohesion and promoting a culture of giving, in alignment with the goals of the Year of Community 2025.'The initiative was met with strong appreciation from delivery bike riders, who expressed their gratitude and emphasised that the new rest stops will help ease the strain of long work hours, especially under intense heat, and praised the efforts to improve their working conditions. This step reflects the ongoing collaboration between the public and private sectors to develop infrastructure and logistical services that promote safety across Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the emirate's position as a smart and sustainable city that embraces all segments of society and meets their evolving needs. -Ends- About Integrated Transport Centre: The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), affiliated with the Department of Municipalities and Transport, is the legislative, regulatory, and supervisory authority responsible for managing and developing the transport sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It formulates policies and frameworks aimed at establishing a smart, safe, and integrated mobility system that supports the Emirate's aspiration to be among the most advanced cities in the world. ITC oversees all land, maritime, and aviation transport activities across the Emirate, ensuring the integration and advancement of the mobility system in line with urban expansion and population growth. It also strives to harness the latest technologies, innovation, and sustainability tools to meet future mobility demands, enhance quality of life, and redefine urban living standards by embedding advanced solutions and promoting sustainable mobility practices. About the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma'an Established in 2019 by the Department of Community Development Abu Dhabi (DCD), The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma'an is the Abu Dhabi government's official channel to receive social contributions through a unified platform, dedicated to uniting community efforts and fostering a culture of giving by collecting contributions, transparently directing them towards social priorities, empowering social enterprises, and promoting volunteering to build a cohesive community. The Authority supports projects that address critical social priorities in the health, education, environment, infrastructure, and social services, aiming to nurture a collaborative and active community by connecting individuals and entities in the public, private, and civil society spheres to support their communities. Contributions made to the Authority of Social Contribution - Ma'an are transparently deployed in full to social projects led by key partners meaning benefactors can maximise the impact their funds have in driving community engagement and providing access to essential resources, programmes, and funding for organisations across Abu Dhabi to achieve their Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainable development goals.
The Sun
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Every driving law change hitting in August including new licence rule impacting over 5.7MILLION Brits
MILLIONS of drivers are being warned over huge law changes coming to force this August - including a new rule that will affect Brits aged 70 and above. From the first of the month, elderly drivers will no longer be able to simply tick a box to renew their licence every three years. Instead, they'll face stricter medical requirements in what officials are calling a major move to 'protect road safety' – but critics say it's just another bureaucratic nightmare for Britain's ageing population. Under the new system, senior motorists will need medical confirmation from their GP to prove they are fit to drive, with eyesight and cognitive testing likely to be ramped up. And in a twist that's already causing panic in online forums, some drivers could be randomly selected by the DVLA for additional health checks – even if they haven't reported any issues. It means those in their 70s and beyond could now face licence restrictions such as only being allowed to drive during daylight hours, or being banned from motorway driving altogether. Experts warn that the changes, while aimed at safety, could leave thousands stranded if they fail to jump through the new hoops in time. Meanwhile, the August shake-up isn't just targeting pensioners. Other rule changes are being quietly rolled out, including a harsher penalty system for drivers caught using mobile phones at the wheel. The standard fine is now based on income, with repeat offenders potentially losing a full week's wages – or more. There's also growing pressure in Scotland to introduce longer prison sentences for dangerous driving offences that result in death, with calls for jail terms of up to 12 years for tailgating, speeding and other reckless behaviours. Road campaigners have welcomed the tighter restrictions, but motoring groups say drivers are being blindsided by a flurry of confusing changes with barely any public awareness. The DVLA has urged drivers to prepare early, especially those approaching their renewal date. Lawyer busts most common driving myths With GP appointments already hard to come by and test backlogs still lingering, many fear the new rules could lead to chaos – or worse, people losing their licences through no fault of their own. As the rules kick in nationwide, one thing's clear: whether you're 70 or 27, August is the month drivers need to stay alert – or risk getting caught out. As well as harsher rules put in place for the elderly, freight bosses and HGV drivers will be hit with new regulations next month. Lorries, coaches and commercial vans regularly crossing UK borders must now work with the next-generation Smart Tachograph 2 system. From August 19, 2025, any vehicle already using Smart Tachograph 1 for international routes must be upgraded or face enforcement action. If you've still got an analogue or early digital tacho and travel abroad, the hammer came down even earlier—by 31 December 2024 you should have the new device fitted. Tacho tech geeks will tell you the Smart Tacho 2 is no ordinary log‑book gadget—it automatically records border crossings, logs loading and unloading, and picks up whether you're carrying goods or passengers. Some versions even sync up with GNSS signals to fight tampering and allow remote data reading by enforcement officers. The backend admin work has also ramped up. From April 21, 2025, international trips require 56 days of driver records—double the previous 28-day obligation—so operators must tighten up compliance files or face scrutiny. Operators involved in EU, non‑EU or cross‑channel journeys must comply with the AETR drivers' hours regime rather than domestic UK rules—that means fresh training, sharper documentation and no room for error. Industry insiders warn the cost is steep: expect around £1,500–£2,200 per vehicle once you factor in unit price, installation, calibration and post‑fit training for drivers—and delays at approved centres are already being reported. To be clear: if you stick solely to UK‑only deliveries, you can still run older analogue or Smart 1 tachos—for now. But any lorry pushing into EU or overseas routes after the deadlines and still running outdated kit will face major fines and possible enforcement bans. With the clock ticking, operators have just weeks to secure workshop slots and make sure fleets are compliant. This isn't just a technical update—it's a total overhaul of cross-border road haulage regulation. Get it sorted now, or risk being left on the roadside when the rule‑book changes bite hard come August 2025. 3 3
BBC News
11 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
Public consulted on lowering 20mph speed limit outside schools
The public is being asked whether 20mph speed limits should be imposed outside primary schools to make the area Council has been carrying out a consultations on the proposals to lower the limit from 30mph to improve the safety of residents, children and road schools involved include Barrow 1618 CofE Primary School in Brosley, Longden CofE Primary School in Shrewsbury, Ludlow Primary School and Holy Trinity CofE Primary Academy and Nursery in public is invited to submit their views this week. The proposals for each school are: at Barrow 1618, these include a wider 30mph limit on approaches to the school and a variable 20/30mph limit in school's immediate vicinity. The deadline for comments is on Longden, there could be a variable 20mph limit along Shrewsbury Road, Longden Road and School Lane. This comes after an assessment of vehicle speed data and pedestrian are also proposals to implement a "no stopping on entrance" sign outside the school car park. The deadline for comments is also on Ludlow, proposals are for a 20mph speed limit on Sandpits Road and a bus stop on the north side of the road, adjacent to Beech Gardens. The public has until Friday to submit their in Oswestry, it is proposed that there would be a 20mph limit on Middleton Road to improve safety outside the faculty.A separate consultation is also underway for the formalisation of the existing advisory "school keep clear" markings on Middleton Road and Beech Grove. Both of these conclude on 7 August. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
