Department for Transport

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. 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. 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.

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.

Noted (AI summary) National Highways will conduct a study to identify options for improving road user notification of incidents, aiming to complete it by late Summer/Autumn 2023 and prepare an implementation plan. Dorset Road Safe partnership will add a clear link to their website indicating who to contact regarding road obstructions, highlight associated dangers, and launch a communications campaign across various media platforms to alert road users to obstructions on Dorset roads. Dorset Council, as part of Dorset Road Safe, will introduce a simple reporting process and contact information for obstructions/debris on the road to their website. A communications campaign will be constructed to alert all road users around obstructions/debris on Dorset’s roads using various media platforms. The Department for Transport outlines existing legislation and guidance regarding road obstructions, including the Highways Act 1980 and the Highway Code. They conclude that no further action is appropriate for the Department to take at this stage. BCP Council states that the response letter from the Dorset Police Chief Constable conveys the views of BCP Council, via the Dorset Road Safe Partnership.

Noted (AI summary) The Department for Transport acknowledges the concerns and notes that National Highways is responsible for the safe management of the Strategic Road Network and is taking actions to reduce risks of future collisions. DfT officials will continue to work with National Highways on the points raised. Connect Plus outlines enhanced measures being implemented, including drainage system cleaning, gully cleaning frequency increases, and safety barrier upgrades. They will also deliver a comprehensive plan for risk management including a cost benefit analysis, a review of carriageway resurfacing, investigation of illuminated warning signs, and a verge review. National Highways has installed a vehicle restraint system at the location of the fatal collision. They have also commissioned an independent review of the drainage system and are considering the viability of reprofiling the carriageway.

Noted (AI summary) TRL describes its role in supporting the SHARP helmet rating scheme and summarises existing research on helmet loss, concluding that more work should be done in light of changing motorcycle user demographics. They raise questions about the specific helmet and circumstances of the incident. The Department provides advice and guidance to motorcyclists through its Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme (SHARP), including guidance on helmet selection and fitting on the SHARP website. DVSA's CBT syllabus includes helmet fitting and fastening, and examiners check helmet fastening. The Department will continue to review technical standards for helmets and promote helmet fitting and usage. The Forensic Collision Investigator provides information on the helmet involved in the incident and refers some queries to other agencies, stating the helmet met basic UK standards. They are unable to comment on how tightly the helmet was fastened when worn.

Noted (AI summary) The Department for Transport explains that there is no legal requirement to hold a driving licence to register a vehicle, or to become the keeper of an already registered vehicle, and outlines circumstances where this might occur.

Noted (AI summary) The Department for Transport outlined existing GB domestic and working time regulations for drivers of light goods vehicles. They stated that if the driver fell asleep due to inadequate rest, existing regulations would apply, and offered to coordinate with DVSA for an investigation if employer details are provided. NHS Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has communicated to all Registered Nurses (RNs) and senior staff via matrons and safety huddles, reiterating the importance of active monitor alarms and staff visibility. Senior nursing teams have also provided initial training on transferring data from monitors to modules, which will be added to medical equipment training.

Noted (AI summary) The RFU cascaded the findings in the Regulation 28 Report to all clubs involved in the Premiership. The RFU also raised this subject at the June meeting of the Professional Game Board. The ECB intends to circulate communications to appropriate representatives, including a list of steps from the CAA, within one month and emphasize the need to share the information directly with players. All corporate travel for ECB employees and representatives must be booked through the ECB's travel management company Ventur. The EFL reissued guidance to all Clubs, which was received in March 2021. The EFL will reissue a link to the guidance in advance of each transfer window. The British Horseracing Authority briefed its Board and prepared a draft guidance note to send to its member bodies and engaged with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The FA states they were not aware of the coroner's report until it was provided by the English Football League. The FA relayed CAA guidance on illegal flights to clubs and Registered Intermediaries in March 2021. The Department for Transport and the CAA are reviewing the powers available to them in investigating breaches of aviation regulations and what powers they would find of assistance in their investigative and enforcement role. The Jockey Club requires aircraft operating at its racecourses to obtain prior permission, demonstrate pilot licensing, provide aircraft registration and insurance, and confirm whether flights are private or commercial. The Jockey Club and Helicopter & Aviation Services Ltd provide records of aircraft activities to authorities when requested. The organisation circulated a note to its members recommending that they do not pay for or use unlicensed commercial flights, sharing the concerns of the Dorset Coroner. The Professional Footballers Association has written to its current members and put information on its website to raise awareness on the issue of unlicensed aircraft, and attached the guidance issued by the CAA. UK Athletics has distributed information regarding private flights to World Class Programme athletes, coaches, support staff, and known agents, emphasizing the need to check the legality of flights. The Institute of Directors included a statement in its 'Influence' email to 20,000 members and posted a notice on its website warning of the dangers of unauthorised flights, following a request from the Civil Aviation Authority. The LTA sent a communication to relevant players on 9 August 2022 regarding commercial flights from unlicensed operators, including a link to CAA guidance. The Confederation of British Industry plans to publish an article on employee wellbeing and safety linking to the Sala case, use social media to amplify the importance of employee well-being and safety, and flag the case to its account managers who manage the CBI's aerospace members. The Premier League will send correspondence to the Legal, Club Secretarial, and Football departments at each of the Clubs. The Premier League met with Clubs at the Annual General Meeting on 9 June 2022 and raised the issue to the Chairs/Chief Executives/Owners attending. The Rugby Football League wrote to all member clubs advising them of the situation regarding private flights and asking them to ensure they do not use such flights. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport shared CAA guidance with sports organisations, Live music Industry Venues & Entertainment (LIVE), the Music Venues Trust (MVT), and the Musicians' Union. The British Chambers of Commerce circulated briefing materials to its Chamber of Commerce members, raised the issue in a call with Chamber of Commerce CEOs, and highlighted the importance of taking action at the BCC Board. UK Sport asserts that the use of illegal private plane journeys is not permitted with their funding and that the risk of government funded sports using them is minimal. The RFU requested Premiership clubs review the PFD report on commercial flight chartering and ensure flights are legal and have required authorisations, certifications and permissions, and pass the information to relevant employees. Motorsport UK will publish advice to its license holders on its website and in its monthly ezine regarding air-worthiness of chartered aircraft and pilot qualifications. The EFL circulated a CAA notice to club secretaries raising awareness of the risks of illegal public transport using unlicensed aircraft. The Executive Association of Great Britain stated that the report and concerns are not applicable to their particular circumstances as they do not arrange travel for members, and members do not travel by air to attend meetings.