Road safety

The European Parliament today adopted a report on improving road safety in Europe. The Greens welcomed the outcome, notably the support of MEPs for a long-standing Green proposal, recommending the introduction of a Europe-wide 30 km/h speed limit in urban areas. After the vote, UK Green Euro MP Keith Taylor said:

"Road accidents across Europe remain at unacceptably high levels and there is a need for a more concerted effort to improve road safety. The European Parliament has today signalled the right direction for road safety, notably by strongly recommending an EU-wide speed limit of 30 km/h in urban areas. This would ensure drivers have to respect the same road rules no matter where they drive, making it easier for drivers and safer for all those on or near our roads. Lower speed limits in urban areas will not only have major safety benefits for all road users but will also reduce noise and air pollution and, as such, would be a win-win situation."

Green transport spokesperson Michael Cramer added:

"MEPs thankfully rejected a wrong-headed proposal recommending making the wearing of high visibility vests compulsory for cyclists. This proposal would have turned victims into offenders, shifting the responsibility onto cyclists and away from drivers in the cases of road accidents. However, 90% of all accidents between bikes and cars are caused by drivers."