Commenting on the ‘Plan to back drivers’ announced today by the
Secretary of State for Transport, Edmund King, AA president,
said; “The AA has long campaigned, on behalf of our members, to
tackle some councils using moving traffic violations, such as
yellow box junctions, to fleece drivers - often caught in a trap
of poor road markings and bad signage. We welcome this review and
hope councils act accordingly. Our 2017 ‘Caught in a trap’
report* shared with Government ministers highlighted issues
around moving traffic offences and yellow box junctions.
“We are also pleased to see the wider rollout of ‘Lane Rental
Schemes’ at roadworks and street works which seek to reduce poor
and overrunning roadworks experienced across the country,
including the issuing of fines. All road users will benefit as
those digging up the road will be financially penalised for
returning our streets in an awful condition.”
“The AA has been raising issues about the poor state of local
roads, over-running roadworks, badly designed yellow box
junctions, private parking companies, 'smart' motorways and much
more for many years. Our members are also concerned about air
quality, road safety and mobility. We also campaign on issues
such as 'Think Bikes'. Many of our members also interested in
walking, cycling and public transport. We take a balanced
approach to mobility where driving doesn't have to cost the
earth.
“The AA fully supports the use of targeted 20mph limits where
they are needed and will be effective, for example, when pupils
are going in or out of schools, near parks, cul de sacs and key
residential areas. Drivers are much more likely to abide with the
lower speed limit when they understand the reason for it. We
would also like to see more pragmatic and variable speed limits,
for example, using interactive signs outside schools at the start
and end of the day but possibly not at 2am in the morning.
“Cars and road transport are paramount to how we live and work.
Government figures show 58% of trips and 78% of distance
travelled are made with cars, with most freight being transported
by road.
“When implemented with local consultation and support, targeted
road safety measures are supported by drivers and residents
alike. Transport policy should be evidence-based and take account
of all road users including drivers, cyclists, bikers, bus
passengers, delivery drivers and pedestrians. Safety and
environmental considerations are also key. For example, if the
evidence shows there are no buses running after 10.30pm then it
is logical to open the bus lane to all road users. “
ends
NOTES TO EDITORS
* Aa Campaign For Fairer
Parking Enforcement | AA (theaa.com)
