NOT DRIVEN
Steve Bulley
DORSET BUSINESS FOCUS / NEWS
Head of Business Engagement at Dorset Chamber and car fanatic
This month I wanted to celebrate the Highway Code turning 90 Research from the AA found nearly three quarters of drivers (72%) think the Highway Code should be updated with more information on smart motorways, according to research by the AA Driving School. Drivers were asked what changes they think should be made to the Highway Code this year as it marks its 90th anniversary. Six in 10 drivers (62%) said they wanted to see more information on electric vehicles, including charging infrastructure and road sign meanings. Currently there is no official section with guidance on electric vehicles, despite the government’s push for drivers to buy more ecofriendly vehicles. A further 60% said they wanted the Highway Code to include more guidance on behaving around vulnerable road users like electric scooters and cyclists. The latest government figures show the number of cyclists killed or seriously injured on Great Britain’s roads has increased by 8% since 2009. In 2019, cyclists accounted for 14% of casualties and 6% of road deaths in Great Britain. The Highway Code was introduced in Great Britain in 1931 when there were only 2.3 million vehicles on roads, but more than 7,000 people died in road accidents each year. According to the DVSA, the first edition of
the Highway Code did not mention the use of mirrors and it advised drivers to sound their horn when overtaking. The Highway Code is currently undergoing a review to improve road safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders. Last summer, the AA submitted evidence to the review and broadly supported the government’s proposals, but shared concerns around the lack of clarity and guidance on some of the proposals. Earlier this year, the AA also submitted evidence to a separate review into plans to include guidance on smart motorways, one year after the government was first advised to do so by the Transport Secretary. Robert Cowell, Interim Managing Director of AA Driving School said: “Our research shows drivers want the Highway Code to be brought into the 21st century to keep up with the growing demand for electric vehicles, and concerns about education on smart motorways.
“Drivers in 1931 wouldn’t believe the ways in which road safety and technology has developed over the last 90 years. “We hope that with this milestone anniversary the Highway Code will keep up with the times and keep drivers safe and informed of the latest developments. If we want drivers to choose electric vehicles or feel safe around electric scooters, we need the Highway Code to guide them from the outset.”
Dorset Chamber members SAVE67% on home and roadside recovery with our exclusive discount. Speak to the membership team on 01202 714810.
Chris loses his hair for the HealthBus Charity the HealthBus provides a mobile health facility that travels to areas where people sleep rough, providing basic health care, a GP service and access to addiction and mental health support services. The service provision is designed to be appropriate and accessible, supporting people as they move away from rough sleeping. Their key to success and unique selling point, is that they take healthcare to people that are on the margins of society, disengaged and in many cases dehumanised by wider society. Through the HealthBus and allied services, they provide hope and opportunity at the point of need. Vice Chair Chris Wakefield who has experienced homelessness said, “I remember how difficult it
was to access our wonderful NHS during that very difficult period of my life.” The HealthBus is a standalone charity, with no NHS funding and survives financially, through the generosity of others. Chris added; “My small contribution will be having my head shaved, at the end of July, to raise much needed funds for this amazing charity. “I would like to thank Salon 88 for volunteering to shave off my lovely locks.” Find out more about The HealthBus. www.healthbus.co.uk To donate see: https:// uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ ChristopherWakefield2
more news online - www.dorsetchamber.co.uk/news
51
