Europe's third mobility package makes big safety push

The European Commission has announced details of its Third Mobility Package, which includes a target to reduce deaths and serious injuries on EU roads by 50% between 2020 and 2030.

The wide ranging proposal also states that within three years all new models introduced on the market must have 11 advanced safety features including advanced emergency braking, lane-keeping system, over-ridable intelligent speed assistance or driver's distraction recognition.

Joshua Harris, director of campaigns at road safety charity Brake, said: 'This proposal is hugely significant, marking the next chapter in European road safety and putting us back on the path to vision zero – a world with zero road deaths and serious injuries.

'Every day, five people in the UK are killed and more than 65 seriously injured in road crashes, causing untold devastation to families across the country. These proposals will get the latest lifesaving vehicle technologies on our roads, a move long called for Brake, preventing crashes and helping reduce their impact. It is now up to the UK Government, and others across the EU, to ensure this proposal becomes law and they must deliver.

'Targets for a 50% reduction in EU road deaths and serious injuries between 2020 and 2030 are welcome and a positive step towards vision zero. UK road safety improvement has stalled in recent years and yet a number of proven road safety policy options remain unexplored. We urge the UK to follow the EU’s lead and implement national road safety targets, focusing the mind and helping push forward proven road safety measures.'