Department for Transport

Noted (AI summary) The Department for Transport acknowledges the coroner's concerns but states that current driver licensing arrangements are balanced and proportionate, requiring drivers to declare medical conditions and eyesight standards when renewing their license from age 70.

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) 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. 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. 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. 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 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. 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 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.

Noted (AI summary) Transport for London has already procured, developed, and installed a bespoke Physical Prevention of Overspeed System (PPOS) on the London Tram network, reducing the risk of overturning by 76%. They are also investigating the feasibility of strengthening tram doors and will incorporate learnings into future fleet specifications. Bombardier Transportation (now Alstom) has completed a door vulnerability assessment, performed design reviews for current and future tram door systems, and engaged with suppliers regarding enhancements. They plan to finalize improvement actions and recommendations for door strengthening for both in-service and new tram fleets by March 2022, and engage with authorities to review UK regulation for light rail doors by April 2022. Tram Operations Ltd is already a member of CIRAS (Confidential Reporting for Safety) for anonymous staff reporting and publicises this to staff. Regarding passenger ejection through doors, they confirm they do not own the trams but welcome discussions with London Trams and would support implementation of strengthening if feasible. Transport Focus clarifies its limited remit and resources to initiate a centrally funded national tram passenger safety group. They state they will engage with operators on passenger safety issues brought to their notice and support any such group initiated by another body. The Department for Transport reports that the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board (LRSSB) has published guidance on driver inattention and speed management, and all tram networks in England now subscribe to the Confidential Incident Reporting & Analysis System (CIRAS). DfT is also consulting on establishing a national tram safety group and supports LRSSB's planned work on automatic braking systems, door strengthening standards, and promoting CIRAS. The LRSSB has published new Light Rail Guidance on Driver Inattention (LG3) and Light Rail Standards on Speed Management Systems (LS4), incorporating RAIB recommendations. They have also commissioned a trial of specific technology for driver inattention and speed management, with outcomes expected by January 2022. The Light Rail Safety and Standards Board confirms that all seven UK tramways already subscribe to the Confidential Incident Reporting & Analysis System (CIRAS). LRSSB further plans to produce a tramway-specific guidance note and communication campaign to promote the benefits of such schemes to front-line staff by March 2022. The Light Rail Safety and Standards Board is engaging with European Standards working groups to inform regulation on tram door security and crashworthiness, and plans to consult with TfL/London Trams to determine remedial actions. LRSSB will then publish a briefing or guidance note for the sector, with timelines to be confirmed.

Noted (AI summary) The Department for Transport clarified that local authorities are responsible for hazard signage and highway maintenance, and that existing guidance is available but not mandatory.

Noted (AI summary) The Department for Transport explains current driver licensing arrangements and guidance for medical professionals, noting age is not an automatic barrier to driving, but they encourage drivers to discuss concerns with medical professionals, and points to an older driver website. The GMC has contacted the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) to raise awareness of the risks of confusion related to UTIs and driving among their members.

Noted (AI summary) The RNLI is revising plans to provide lifeguard cover on additional beaches, working with landowners and councils to confirm beaches and timings for public announcement. The MCA is increasing HM Coastguard vehicle patrols to known safety hotspots for surveillance and swift response. The MCA reiterates its role in coordinating search and rescue, clarifies that it has no statutory responsibility for beach safety, and states that it will continue to work with partners on safety campaigns.