The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) today welcomed the publication of the Business Plan for the Department for Transport. Commenting on the plan, Robert Gifford, Executive Director of PACTS, said “It is good to see the priorities of the department over the next four years listed in this way. This reflects an increasing commitment to openness and transparency shown by governments in this country.
“It is also good to see the commitment to the development of a new strategic framework for road safety by April 2011. The current strategy and target for casualty reduction expire at the end of 2010. There remains much to be done to continue progress to making our roads safer. The lack of any indication of policy beyond this year has been of concern to all in road safety. I am pleased that the coalition government has recognised the need for clarity in this area. I am sure that PACTS will want to contribute to the development of this new framework. Our aim must be to maintain our position as world-leader in road safety with the safest road users in the world, however they choose to travel.
“It is also good to see a continuing commitment to safety in other modes of transport. A new high-speed rail line is bound to be built to the highest possible safety standards. One interesting question will be whether it manages to persuade drivers to transfer from road to rail, thereby bringing a safety benefit to UK PLC.”
