Into my search engine, now assisted by AI, I entered “traffic system reform”. This came up:
“The UK government is implementing major reforms to road safety legislation, including mandatory eye tests for older drivers and a potential reduction in the drink-drive limit. These changes aim to improve road safety and address rising concerns about driver health and impaired driving.”
Nothing about the real reform that I bang on about, that addresses the causes of our man-made road safety and congestion problems. The search brings up only the blinkered vision of the authorities. Further delving brought up more nibbling around the edges of existing policy, fiddling while the world continues to burn under the current egregious system.
“The UK government is undertaking significant reforms to enhance road safety and improve traffic management. These reforms are designed to address long-standing issues related to driver health, impaired driving, and overall road safety.
“Key Reforms: mandatory eye tests for older drivers. Additional assessments for conditions such as dementia are also being explored. Reduction in Drink-Drive Limit.
“A new Road Safety Investigation Branch will analyse collision patterns to inform prevention strategies.” Will they take priority (=inequality) into account? What’s the betting?
“The government plans to consult on introducing a minimum learning period for new drivers to improve their skills.” – This is the only element that sounds of potential value.
“Additional Initiatives: Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs). Local authorities can implement temporary, experimental, or permanent traffic restrictions through TROs.” – Restrictions – the only thing that floats their boat.
“A new traffic light rating system has been introduced to assess how well local councils manage road conditions, focusing on pothole repairs and maintenance practices.
“Conclusion. These reforms represent a comprehensive approach to improving road safety in the UK, addressing both driver behaviour and infrastructure management. The government aims to create a safer environment for all road users through these initiatives.”
Comprehensive? Pitiful.
