Department for Transport

Action Planned (AI summary) The DfT is developing a new approval system for vehicles after leaving the EU and plans a call for evidence later this year to gather views on technologies like reversing detection systems, which will inform future legislation on mandatory fitting of these technologies.

Action Planned (AI summary) DEFRA, DFT, and DHSC will continue to work to improve public awareness of air pollution, including a pilot project with GPs providing air quality advice and information to a range of vulnerable groups. They will also make expertise available to relevant professional organisations. The Mayor of London has implemented measures such as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and is expanding the monitoring network. They are also supporting health and care system support for vital structural changes. NICE amended its asthma guideline (NG80) in March 2021 to clarify the link between air pollution and asthma and added links to NICE guidelines on air pollution: outdoor air quality and health and indoor air quality at home. The RCGP is in the process of producing a planetary health element of the curriculum that all new GPs will be assessed against and are also planning a high-profile webinar incorporating elements regarding pollution. The RCP will work with specialist societies to raise the profile of air pollution's impacts, review the internal medicine curriculum, increase knowledge among physicians, produce resources for professionals to discuss air pollution with patients, improve incentives for conversations, and urge government to tighten regulations. The NMC will consider the concerns in their evaluation of pre-registration standards, focusing on communication with families, and identify further activity to ensure professionals understand their obligations to communicate clearly with patients about evidence related to managing and preventing ill-health. The BTS intends to build upon work undertaken to date by raising awareness of the effects of poor air quality, producing an updated Position Statement on air quality and lung health, and adding the health care profession voice to the debate on climate change and air pollution through membership of the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change and involvement in the Taskforce for Lung Health. The RCPCH curriculum includes a domain on health promotion, and they are working with NHS England/Improvement and Health Education England to develop asthma competencies for child health professionals and carers. They also declared a climate emergency and published a report on tackling climate change. HEE will write to the relevant medical Royal Colleges, GMC and NMC to highlight that improving awareness of the impact of air pollution on health should be considered when developing curricula. The GMC will review standards for medical education to consider how environmental issues are covered, encourage medical schools to address air pollution in curricula, and promote inclusion of environmental impacts in postgraduate training curricula. HEE will add the theme of environmental impacts to the list of potentially important areas to consider as they progress the credentialing agenda. UKHACC delivered a pilot project with Global Action Plan, funded by Defra and the Clean Air Fund, to educate paediatricians and respiratory health professionals on air pollution advice for patients. The London Borough of Lewisham has expanded monitoring capacity, taken part in the Breathe London project, and refreshed the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment for Air Quality. They also promote air quality monitoring tools via social media and local advertising, and ensure information is positioned on relevant websites and newsletters.

Action Planned (AI summary) The DVSA will circulate information to haulage operators stating that aftermarket dashboard trays breach testing rules and should be removed when HGVs are driven and publish similar information on gov.uk. The Department for Transport will also make umbrella bodies aware of the concerns. DVSA published a Moving On blog on GOV.UK and sent a link to haulage operators reminding them to keep windscreens clear; they will highlight concerns at a Heavy Vehicle Industry Forum, and will update guidance to warn drivers against putting objects in their lorry which restrict their view.

Action Planned (AI summary) The Department for Transport is investigating the use of telematics as part of their £2 million research programme called ‘Driver 2020’. They also reference recent changes to legislation and campaigns targeting young drivers.

Action Planned (AI summary) The council will commence stakeholder consultation on 18th September 2017 regarding proposals to improve pedestrian safety at the junction. Provisional arrangements have been made to assign resources to progress with the design and potential delivery of a scheme. The Department for Transport, while noting a lack of evidence, will consider with trade associations how to encourage signage on left-hand drive vehicles to alert pedestrians to the risks.

Action Planned (AI summary) The DfE intends to consult on a revised version of guidance on school transport in the autumn and will consider whether they should further clarify the description of the training that drivers and escorts should receive. The DfT will reinforce the importance of basic life support training for drivers through targeted communications and social media, and raise the profile of the issue with bus industry and local authority stakeholders.

Action Planned (AI summary) The Department of Transport commissioned the Northern Trans Pennine study, covering the A66 and A69 and the Chancellor announced in the 2016 Budget his commitment to upgrade the A66 and A69. Safety improvements at specific locations on the A66 are to be delivered this financial year.