RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

November 30, 2000
THREAT TO CAR SAFETY PLAN AS D-DAY LOOMS

The lives of thousands of vulnerable road users in Britain and the rest of Europe may depend on the way European Commissioners vote on Tuesday, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents warned today.

Proposals to change the design of car fronts in a way which could save 2,000 deaths and serious injuries in Britain alone are to be discussed by the Commissioners. But RoSPA believes the plans for "pedestrian-friendly" fronts are under threat.

The Society and other safety campaigners have been expecting the EC to support legislation to protect pedestrians hit by cars. Such a move would also benefit other vulnerable road users like cyclists and motorcyclists.

But now RoSPA fears the Commissioners may opt for a voluntary code rather than legislation. Such a move could lead to the motor industry dragging its feet over changing the design of car fronts so that they do less damage to pedestrians in accidents.

Dave Rogers, RoSPA Road Safety Adviser, said: "These changes need to be introduced immediately, but a voluntary code is likely to mean delays and lives will be lost unnecessarily. These improvements could do for pedestrians what seatbelts have done to reduce deaths and injuries among car occupants.

"The UK Government’s road safety strategy notes that a legislative proposal incorporating four interdependent tests could reduce serious and fatal pedestrian injuries nationally by 20 per cent."

The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) estimates that around 2,000 lives and 18,000 serious injuries could be saved annually if all cars on EU roads today met the tests.

"Fewer and weaker tests are proposed under the voluntary agreement. They cannot deliver the anticipated benefits of the legislation and must be resisted at all costs," Dave Rogers said.

"If the Commissioners vote for the voluntary code, it will be a hard battle to persuade politicians in Europe to overturn that decision."