Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with technology companies about how to improve road safety; and which technology companies they have engaged with on this issue.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

The Government treats road safety seriously and is committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads.

DfT are working to realise the potential of road safety data from a wide range of sources, from emerging vehicle technologies and connected vehicle data, to health data and more traditional datasets. By collecting and linking this data, and applying advanced analytical techniques, we aim to generate insights which support evidence-based improvements across the safe system. Our objective is to ensure that data is used for public good, strengthening safety outcomes while maintaining constructive collaboration with industry partners.

Following external analysis of the specific benefits and costs of a range of new vehicle safety technologies, the Government is exploring options for updates to our national type-approval legislation to mandate fitment of these safety technologies and vehicle design features in Great Britain. My department will set out more details in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to promote the use of automatic crash notification systems by motorists, including vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

Emergency call (eCall), an automatic crash notification system, is a legal requirement in all new cars and light vans since 2018. Whilst several aftermarket systems are available, the Government has no current plans to extend this requirement to other vehicle types.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to reduce the number of motorcycle deaths.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

Improving road safety is a key priority of this Government. For road users who choose to travel by motorcycle, the Department remains committed to ensuring that they are equipped with the specialist skills necessary to stay safe on the road.

Too many people are killed and seriously injured in road traffic collisions, and this Government will work hard to prevent these tragedies for all road users. The Road Safety Strategy is under development and will include a broad range of policies. More details will be set out in due course.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to review the MOT system to ensure it fully reflects the technological advances in modern vehicles, and, if so, to set out any timescale for such a review.

Answered by Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill - Minister of State (Department for Transport)

The MOT test is a vital part of the systems that keep our roads safe by ensuring drivers maintain their vehicles to a minimum standard. At the heart of the MOT are fundamental mechanical parts such as tyres, brakes, lights, and suspension.

Given the importance of the MOT the Government keeps the content under continual review, both to account for new technology and improve the service. In 2023 a call for evidence asked for views on the future of the MOT. This included areas such as electric vehicles, emissions testing, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Officials have been collecting further evidence on these areas.