Last week, I had the privilege of participating in the Road Safety GB Conference, a gathering that brought together passionate advocates, experts, and campaigners to discuss the future of road safety in the UK. This year’s conference felt different, with a palpable sense of determination to tackle the challenges that have, for too long, stood in the way of progress.
On behalf of RoadPeace, I was honoured to share the stage with Sharron Huddleston, a bereaved mother and co-founder of Forget-me-not Families Uniting. Together, we delivered a presentation highlighting the decades of missed opportunities to save young lives due to the government’s decision not to introduce a Graduated Driving Licensing (GDL) system. Sharron's personal story and unwavering dedication are a stark reminder of what’s at stake when political inaction continues.
I also led a workshop focused on the often-overlooked vulnerability of mobility scooter users on our roads, alongside Richard Hannan from Surewise and Dr Duncan Guest from Nottingham Trent University. Over the past decade, mobility scooter casualties have risen dramatically, with an average annual increase of 20%. Tragically, mobility scooter drivers are nearly three times more likely to be killed in a road crash than other road users, making them one of the most vulnerable groups on our roads. My aim was to raise awareness of the urgent need to protect these users through better infrastructure, education, and targeted safety measures.
Another highlight was my participation in a Q&A panel alongside industry experts, where we addressed some of the most pressing questions in road safety today. The discussion reinforced the need for collaboration and the sharing of best practices across the sector if we are to make meaningful progress.
A particularly significant moment at the conference was when Sharron Huddleston presented a powerful letter to Future Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood MP, during the National Road Safety Conference. This letter, prepared by RoadPeace, was signed by 40 road safety organisations and members of Forget-me-not Families Uniting – a group representing over 170 bereaved families campaigning for GDL. The fact that the letter was signed in just 24 hours highlighted the strong and united support for GDL across the road safety community.
Lilian Greenwood’s presence at the conference was a notable turning point. As the first government minister to attend a UK road safety conference in 14 years, her attendance alone was a signal of change. Her keynote address on the first day set an inspiring tone for the rest of the conference. She drew from the legacy of Barbara Castle, the pioneering Transport Minister whose 1967 Road Safety Act introduced seat belts, breath tests, and motorway speed limits – transforming road safety in the UK. Greenwood shared that a photograph of Barbara Castle hangs in her office as a daily reminder of the responsibility to push for meaningful change in road safety.
The minister’s words were refreshingly direct and optimistic. She acknowledged the unacceptable stagnation in reducing road casualties over the past decade and committed to “turning back the clock on the status quo.” Her pledge to engage with local authorities, police, fire services, and road safety organisations was met with strong support, particularly when she emphasised the need for a “layered system” that no longer tolerates preventable deaths. Her statement, “We are listening,” resonated with every professional in the room, signalling a long-overdue openness to collaboration and change.
The Road Safety GB Conference was a powerful reminder that change is not only necessary but possible. It reinforced the idea that collective action, a united voice, and determined advocacy can drive the policy changes needed to save lives. I left the conference feeling optimistic and more committed than ever to continue the fight for safer roads for everyone.
