Saving lives beyond the strategy: GEM sets out the next steps

· GEM calls the Government’s Road Safety Strategy ‘a pivotal opportunity to reset ambition and deliver real, measurable casualty reductions by 2035’.

· The organisation calls for rapid implementation of evidence‑based measures, including strengthened eyesight checks.

· GEM pledges to play a leading role through advocacy, older driver support, professional events and collaboration.

We at GEM welcome the publication of the UK Government’s new road safety strategy and urges rapid, evidence‑led implementation of the measures that will make the greatest difference to saving lives and preventing serious injuries.

A long-awaited opportunity

GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst described the strategy as a long‑awaited opportunity to reset the UK’s ambition on road danger and place safety at the heart of all road transport decisions. “For too long, progress has stalled while preventable death and serious injury have continued to devastate families and communities. Now we have this Strategy, we must quickly turn our attention to delivery,” he said.

GEM believes the test of this Strategy will be the speed and seriousness with which its most important measures are introduced. To deliver on the casualty reductions the Government has committed to achieve by 2035, the key next steps must include firm timelines, transparent milestones and clear accountability.

Good eyesight is a cornerstone of safe driving, but because it can deteriorate at any time, GEM believes that regular, professional eye tests for drivers of all ages will help protect both their independence and the safety of everyone sharing the road. At the same time, GEM stresses that any new approach must avoid increasing social isolation or reducing mobility in later life.

Charity support

The GEM Road Safety Charity, represented in last week’s Project EDWARD webinar by trustee Malcolm Palmer, has underlined the need for better support and clearer guidance around medical self‑reporting so that older drivers can make informed, confident decisions about their driving.

Among other practical priorities, GEM is calling for:

· a renewed focus on the introduction of a graduated driver licensing scheme to give young and novice drivers a safer, more structured start, building skills while managing the highest‑risk situations.

· strengthening enforcement around seat belt use, drink and drug driving, including tougher penalties and modern roadside evidential testing technology.

· ensuring immediate licence suspension for serious drink and drug‑drive offences. Taking offenders off the road immediately helps ensure they will not have the opportunity to reoffend.

James Luckhurst concluded: “In the months ahead, GEM will champion regular eyesight testing and appropriate medical self‑reporting, through resources for older drivers, families and health professionals. We are looking forward to bringing practitioners and policymakers together in our capacity as headline sponsor of a mature road user conference in Birmingham this April, to share best practice on safer driving for longer.

“We will continue advocating for the six evidence‑based reforms we set out ahead of publication, from graduated driver licensing to tougher action on seat belt, drink and drug‑driving offences – as a practical package to underpin Vision Zero.

“There is now clear strategic direction, so the task is to turn that document into practical, achievable measures that reduce road danger, protect our most vulnerable and allow people of all ages to move around safely.”

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