Don Foster Leads Call For Safer Streets

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 24th Sep 2003

Backing a motion moved by Don Foster MP on Tuesday, the Liberal Democrat party conference in Brighton has called for the introduction of a Road Safety Bill in the next session of Parliament.

Looking ahead to the Queen's speech in November, delegates backed the motion calling for the creation of a Road Accident Investigation Branch to look closely at the causes of road crashes.

The motion called for genuine progress on the reduction of speed-related crashes and injuries through the introduction of higher penalties and the creation of a new offence - death by negligent driving, as well as re-education programmes for offenders.

Recognising the danger posed to public health by bull bars, conference called for the retro-fitment of such bars to be outlawed, along with other 'non-pedestrian-friendly' car fronts.

It also called for local authorities to be granted power to deliver safer country lanes, villages, and streets.

The motion was moved by Don Foster, and overwhelmingly carried.