Can politics plus progressive tech deliver safer streets?

A commitment to safer streets should be above politics.

However, under our last government, policies designed to reduce road danger and foster liveable streets were allowed to become battlegrounds in a concocted culture war. Measures such as 20mph speed limits, Low-Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), and London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) were vilified as an affront to motorists. Politicians sided with the motoring lobby, framing these initiatives as part of a so-called 'war on drivers' to curry favour with certain voter demographics.

This approach marked a stark contrast to the progress made under the New Labour government at the turn of the century. Its ambitious road safety strategy set a target to halve road deaths, and they came close. By 2010, road deaths in the UK had fallen from 3,599 to 1,857 thanks to a combination of enforcement and public education. Road deaths are a crude metric of road safety when viewed in isolation, but the success demonstrated that bold, evidence-based policies can save lives and transform public spaces.

After a long period of stagnation where road death figures are concerned, might the tide be about to turn again? A change in government, alongside evidence of public support, is challenging divisive rhetoric.

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Attempts to characterise road safety measures as an instrument of oppression stalled progress at a time when action is urgently needed. Framing LTNs and ULEZ as punitive measures against drivers ignored their proven benefits. LTNs, for instance, not only reduce traffic but also encourage active travel, improve air quality, and enhance community cohesion.

This approach also disregarded the economic and social costs of inaction. With almost 30,000 people killed or seriously injured on UK roads last year, safer streets are not a luxury but a necessity. Moreover, measures like 20mph speed limits and ADAS technologies benefit everyone, including drivers, by reducing the likelihood and severity of collisions.

Turning the tide with tech

Despite the narrative pushed by a vocal minority, evidence points to strong public backing for policies aimed at reducing road danger. Pro-LTN councillors have been re-elected. The silent majority is increasingly embracing measures that help foster safer streets -including technological solutions.

For example, an increasing number of motorists are turning to technology in frustration at conditions on UK roads. A 2023 survey of 2,000 drivers revealed that 75% supported the use of dashcams, with almost a quarter calling for them to be mandatory.

Dashcams have empowered road users to report dangerous driving, contributing to over 175,000 public submissions to police in England and Wales between 2020 and 2023. Yet, only a handful of manufacturers, such as Tesla and BMW, offer factory-fitted dashcams, raising questions about the auto industry’s reluctance to embrace accountability.

Given how popular dashcams are among drivers, perhaps other safety aids need to be introduced more quickly.

Mandated under Europe’s New Vehicle General Safety Regulation (GSR2), these Safety Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) include Intelligent Speed Assist (ISA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Emergency Lane Keeping Systems (ELKS) – tech that is already proving effective at reducing collisions.

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After all, technology has driven behavioural change in other areas. For instance, the widespread adoption of telematics-based car insurance has encouraged safer driving habits among younger drivers by rewarding cautious behaviour with lower premiums and penalising risky habits like harsh braking or speeding. Technology, combined with clear incentives and a sympathetic user experience, can normalise positive habits.

A future beyond road safety culture wars

Let’s hope the days of culture wars dominating road safety debates are behind us. A silent majority understands that prioritising active travel and road safety creates streets that are healthier, more inclusive, and more enjoyable for everyone – however they travel.

With progressive urban planning, public support, and a helping hand from technology, we can turn the page on divisive politics and build streets that work for everyone. By combining evidence-based policies with innovations that encourage behavioural change, the UK has an opportunity to rekindle the momentum of past successes and pave the way for safer, greener, and more liveable communities.

The ethical choice

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The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.

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