Road (Highways Safety) related deaths

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) NHS England acknowledges the concerns, discusses Greater Manchester Integrated Care's challenges, and points to national guidance on UEC recovery. The Regulation 28 Working Group will share learnings nationally. The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges the concerns raised, noting that NHS England has addressed them, including action taken locally and a Major Trauma Network. They highlight national initiatives for urgent and emergency care improvements.

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) Amazon includes a warning on e-scooter product pages stating they are prohibited on public roads in the UK, makes the warning prominent with bold font and a link to government guidance, sends communications to selling partners to remove references to public road use, and publishes education for selling partners on local legal restrictions. Escooterclinic attributes the incident to reckless user behavior, not the vehicle itself. They advise legalizing scooters with regulations and compulsory protective gear/insurance, citing confusion caused by legal rental scooters. Selfridges ensures there are clearly visible messages in stores and on their website stating that e-scooters may not be lawfully ridden on public highways. The legal team has issued reminders to stores and digital teams regarding this matter and are exploring system-based solutions for safety advisory requirements. Halfords advises potential buyers about the legal restrictions on e-scooter use at all stages of the sales process, both in-store and online, using prominent signage, legal statements on price tickets and warranties, and colleague training. They are also pushing for regulation in any Transport Bill. The MPS has published information on the MPS public website regarding the illegality of e-scooters, provides a flowchart to officers on how to deal with illegal e-scooter use and sends letters to e-scooter retailers asking them to display prominent signs about the legality of e-scooters. The MPS disputes that there is a correlation between legal enforcement of e-scooters and number of deaths and states that policy regarding head protection for licensed e-scooters was a decision made by the Department for Transport and Transport for London. Harrods is preparing notices for display in the Technology department and on their website, clarifying the illegality of e-scooter use on public roads. They also recommend helmets to customers and are implementing age verification checks. TfL highlights safety measures in the e-scooter rental trials, including speed limits, always-on lights, and minimum wheel size. They also promote safety guidance and have worked with the MPS to raise awareness of the law regarding private e-scooters. Onboards displays helmets with scooters, offers helmet discounts, encourages helmet use in-store, and features helmeted riders in online media. They display a sign about the illegality of private e-scooter use, include a disclaimer on invoices and website footer, and do not sell scooters to under-18s. The DVSA has been conducting market surveillance and has sent warning letters to retailers selling e-scooters without proper warnings about illegal use on public land. The government encourages helmet use for e-scooter trials and will consult on helmet wearing for future regulation. Evolve Skateboards is reviewing safety and legal compliance globally, including the UK, with expected rollout by June 2023. They are also a founding member of a PMD safety group advising the Land Transport Safety and Regulation Bureau in Queensland, Australia.