Britain has unveiled its first comprehensive road safety strategy in over a decade on January 7, with ministers announcing a series of reforms. These include updates to motorcycle training, testing, and licensing, as well as new initiatives aimed at improving safety on the nation’s most hazardous rural roads.
On average, four people lose their lives on Britain’s roads every day. To tackle this, the government’s new plan aims to cut deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035, with an even higher target of 70% for children under 16, after a decade in which the UK has fallen in European road safety rankings. For motorcyclists, the strategy includes long-awaited reforms to training and licensing, answering years of lobbying from groups like the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC), who have pushed to make the licensing process easier to understand and access, while keeping strong road safety standards and improving training where possible.
A formal consultation is set to review how the current licensing and training system might be updated. NMC Executive Director Craig Carey-Clinch welcomed the move, noting that these are key areas for motorcycle safety. He added that several options could be explored as part of a structured new approach to licensing, aiming to deliver safety improvements in the short, medium, and long term, in line with updated road safety goals.
“We also welcome news that the strategy will have a focus on improving rural motorcycle safety. It is vital that if the strategy is to fully deliver for motorcycle safety, a positive approach needs to be taken to the inclusion of motorcycling in wider strategic safety and transport policy development as part of the Safe System and also as part of the work of the new Road Safety Board.
“We look forward to discussing the NMC’s proposals in relation to the strategy with DfT ministers.”
The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) also welcomed the strategy, describing the announcement as a “major campaign victory” for the sector.
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