Huppert Backs New Laws For Road Safety

Julian Huppert, Member of Parliament for Cambridge, has sponsored an attempt to change the law to improve road safety.

The ten minute rule motion moved by John Leech, Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Manchester Withington, would introduce a whole range of measures to improve road safety, as well as encourage walking, cycling and the use of public transport by children to and from school.

The news comes just two days before Julian Huppert’s Parliamentary debate on cycling, which has gained huge support from cross-party politicians and the media.

The proposed Bill would include: eye tests for driving license renewal; tougher rules for drink drivers; punishment for turning back mileometers; the promotion of cycling and walking; and support for children using public transport to get to school.

Julian Huppert said “for far too long Governments have failed to deal with the difficult issues around road safety. Innocent bystanders are still killed by drink drivers, it’s still legal to turn back an odometer and there’s far too little support for cycling and walking.

The Government’s recent decision to maintain frequent MOTs was welcome; as was the extra £15 million for cycling and walking announced by Lib Dem Minister Norman Baker MP. But much more should be done. There are still close to 600 injuries on our roads every day and 1,850 deaths a year.

Each of these measures will go a long way to bringing these numbers down. It’s very important that we look at the promotion of cycling and walking, as well as tougher measures to prevent accidents. I hope that the government will consider this package of reforms as soon as possible.”