Department for Transport

Noted (AI summary) The Department for Transport acknowledges the concerns regarding helmet use for e-scooter and bicycle riders. The government guidance for e-scooter rental trials strongly recommends all users should wear helmets. They state that helmets remain a matter of personal choice for cyclists.

Noted (AI summary) The RYA will work with Organising Authorities to establish trends around support boats and to support Organising Authorities in managing risks associated with their events, continuing to raise awareness of responsible behavior. The Department for Transport acknowledges the concerns raised in the PFD report but states that existing legislation and guidance are sufficient, placing responsibility on local authorities and vessel operators to ensure safety. They will continue to review evidence on alcohol limits and PFD use, but do not plan to introduce national mandates.

Noted (AI summary) The Department for Transport will examine what more could be done to ensure the roadworthiness of tractors, trailers and coupling devices and will investigate how best to raise awareness of the DVSA's published guidance on maintaining roadworthiness and vehicle loading, as well as of the existing voluntary trailer maintenance scheme. The NFU provides information and guidance to its members via its website, Business Guides, the British Farmer and Grower magazine, and electronic newsletters, and regularly highlights the importance of tractor and trailer maintenance when communicating with its members. HSE outlines its role as Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety and highlights that the health and safety legislative framework and associated guidance is sufficient and clear in its requirement to use equipment suitable for the task that is maintained in a safe condition. The AEA and BAGMA would support proposals for change from the Department for Transport including extending mandatory roadworthiness testing to vehicles travelling below 25mph and requiring failsafe breakaway systems on all trailers.

Noted (AI summary) The Department for Transport acknowledges the concerns, explains the driver licensing renewal process for those over 70, and mentions a 2023 call for evidence on driver licensing for people with medical conditions, the analysis of which is ongoing, with potential changes to the legislative framework to follow. The DVLA acknowledges receipt of the coroner's report and extends condolences, stating that a full response, agreed with the Department for Transport, will be sent by the Secretary of State for Transport.

Noted (AI summary) The UKHMA engaged with stakeholders and communicated findings to members, and brought the MAIB report to the PMSC steering group. They also proposed the inclusion of guidance in the GTGP, which is expected to be reviewed around Q3 2024. British Marine helped produce and publish the HSPV code in 2010, revised in 2019, and made its use a requirement of membership for operators carrying out this type of activity. The RYA has delayed review of its "Small High Speed Passenger Vessel Voluntary Code of Practice" awaiting MCA legislation, and envisages releasing a revised edition soon after the MCA Sport and Pleasure Vessel Code is finalized. The Department for Transport states that the MCA is prioritising an updated Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code, currently under public consultation. The MCA has also been tasked to commission an anthropometric assessment of small high-speed passenger craft safety, with results expected in late spring/early summer 2026. The British Standards Institution acknowledges the concern regarding BS EN ISO 11591 but clarifies its role as a facilitator for expert committees to develop standards, not to interpret or regulate them; BSI will refer the concerns to the relevant technical committee. The BPA acknowledges the concerns and has corresponded with the MAIB regarding guidance, stating the MCA should lead this. The BPA has offered to promote and amplify guidance, but is not insured to set safety-critical guidelines itself. Associated British Ports acknowledges the concerns but states that monitoring AIS tracks of vessels and intervening in their operation would be very challenging, require dedicated resources, and may not materially increase the safety of harbour users, also noting the limitations of their powers and resources for policing vessels. The MCA is working on an updated Sport or Pleasure Vessel Code, informed by the MAIB Investigation Report, which is currently undergoing public consultation. They have also begun procurement for an anthropometric assessment of small high-speed passenger craft safety, with a report expected in late spring/early summer 2026 to inform future code revisions and guidance. Red Bay Boats Limited has instructed Scot Seats to test seats to meet HSC 2000 standards; they recommend installation of Scot Seats where possible; they will not accept any commissions in the thrill-seeking market; and feel that sea safari craft should not exceed 25 knots. The UKMPG states it supports information sharing but doesn't develop guidance and believes this should be led by the MCA. They will support actions suggested but this must be led by the MCA with industry input.

Noted (AI summary) TfL intends to implement a permanent pedestrian crossing scheme at the A4/Jersey Road junction in Hounslow by 2026, including signal-controlled crossings. In the interim, temporary customer information signage warning pedestrians to take care when crossing the road will be installed by January 2025. The Department for Transport states that Transport for London (TfL) is responsible for traffic management on its roads, including the pedestrian crossing at issue. The DfT says no consent is required from the Department to enable TfL to make changes to this site, and funding will come from TfL revenue sources. The London Borough of Hounslow is working with TfL to improve traffic conditions on the A4, especially for vulnerable road users. Proposals are being considered for signal-controlled crossings for pedestrians and cyclists across the A4 and Jersey Road, with construction planned for 2026-27, along with interim temporary signage.

Noted (AI summary) Stockport Council has permanently affixed reflective panels and tape to barriers in parks, including Alexandra Park (completed November 21st, 2024), and will complete remaining work by March 31st, 2025. They also audited lighting and found it compliant with BS5489 standards, and will do remedial work by March 31st, 2025 if needed. The Department of Transport states that the matter of barrier visibility is the responsibility of the local highway authority (Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council). They provided references to relevant guidance and legislation.

Noted (AI summary) The Department of Transport acknowledges the coroner's concerns regarding cluster sites and GPS routing but states that decisions about highways maintenance and enforcement are the responsibility of local authorities and that drivers should prioritise road signage over GPS guidance. Cambridgeshire County Council plans to implement a 30mph speed limit (with 40mph buffer zones) on Puddock Road by the end of November 2024, conduct a traffic flow survey in early November 2024, and undertake informal engagement on road closure/restricted access, followed by a formal Traffic Regulation Order application and consultation.

Noted (AI summary) The Department of Transport refers to existing published guidance for users of e-cycles and e-scooters on battery safety, and states that pending the outcome of further research, no additional action is appropriate at this stage. OPSS has undertaken a program of work including commissioning research, engaging with gig economy firms to share safety information, and working with other government departments to publish guidance on e-bike and e-scooter safety. A new safety campaign with consumer messaging is expected to launch in the autumn. The West of England Combined Authority states that specific actions to address the concerns raised by the Coroner do not lie within its strategic functions, requiring national government action in the first instance. They believe their provision of on-street rental e-scooters, e-bikes, and e-cargo bikes reduces the number of privately owned vehicles kept at home.

Noted (AI summary) DVSA acknowledges receipt of the coroner's report and notes that the Department for Transport will be responding on their behalf.

Noted (AI summary) The Department for Transport explains the current driver licensing arrangements, emphasizing the legal requirement for drivers to report medical conditions to the DVLA and that the DVLA can only act on information received from licence holders and/or healthcare professionals about known medical conditions. They mention a Call for Evidence to gather views on the legislative framework that governs driver licensing for people with medical conditions.

Noted (AI summary) TfWM's new e-scooter operator Beryl will use the same 'selfie' security process for registering an account as the previous operator, Voi. They will work with local police and schools to identify and act on underage riding reports, and will monitor bank account registrations. Beryl will also implement outreach work with institutions and academies. The Department for Transport will encourage operators to continue additional measures to deter under-age riding, and will work with trial operators to gather and disseminate examples of additional measures. They will also work with operators to understand if anything more could be done to alert them to attempts by under-age riders to gain access to e-scooters. CoMoUK acknowledges the concerns but states they don't have the power to make operational changes to shared transport schemes. They have held meetings with Transport for West Midlands and the Department for Transport and will track the changes being implemented.

Noted (AI summary) The Department for Transport acknowledges the coroner's concerns but states it has limited power to intervene and that the Office of Rail and Road and London Underground Limited are responsible. It notes that London Underground Limited has reached an agreement with its contractors and will provide details to the coroner. Transport for London states that KONE engineers will undertake all inching activities on LU's moving walks and escalators. TfL is working with KONE to update Safe Systems of Work by 29 September 2023 to reflect these new arrangements.