PACTS

PACTS is pleased to be supporting the inaugural SafetyTech Forum, hosted by @its_uk_org , taking place on 28 May in Birmingham. This one-day event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders and technology innovators to explore how new technologies can support safer travel across the transport network. Our Director, Jamie Hassall, will be speaking on the panel: “How do we support more effective safety on the road network?” The forum will cover key topics including: Road Safety Strategy updates Advances in enforcement and safety technology Practical examples of innovation and implementation It’s a great opportunity to connect with others working to improve transport safety and to explore how technology can help deliver better outcomes. Find out more and register: its-uk.org/event/safetyte… #TransportSafety #RoadSafety #SafetyTech #ITSUK #Innovation #TransportPolicy

🌟 One year on the Board 🌟 We asked Keith Irving (CEO, Cycling Scotland) and Mara-Tafadzwa Makoni (PA Consulting) to reflect on their first year as PACTS Trustees. From navigating complex transport safety challenges to learning from the expertise of our Board and members, their insights highlight the impact of PACTS’ work across road, rail, and air. They also share what motivates them, the challenges they’ve encountered, and what they’re looking forward to in the year ahead. Read their full reflections here: pacts.org.uk/one-year-on-th… #TransportSafety #RoadSafety #RailSafety #AirSafety #PACTSCommunity #EvidenceBasedPolicy #TransportPolicy

We’re thrilled to welcome Professor Ashleigh Filtness as Chair and Dr Ruth Madigan as Vice Chair of our Road User Behaviour Working Party. Ashleigh and Ruth will be leading our members in exploring key questions around road user behaviour, fatigue, and human-vehicle interactions. Ashleigh has spent over 17 years researching transport safety across road, rail, and maritime sectors, focusing on how fatigue and sleepiness affect vehicle operators. Ruth brings her expertise in psychology to understand how people interact with vehicles and technology, helping us learn more about human behaviour on the road. We can’t wait to see them in action, guiding our members and shaping PACTS’ work in this area. Please join us in welcoming them! pacts.org.uk/pacts-road-use… #RoadSafety #TransportSafety #HumanFactors #RoadUserBehaviour #PACTSCommunity #RoadSafetyResearch

Last week saw the launch of a new rail safety campaign aimed at reducing avoidable injuries across the network. Led by Govia Thameslink Railway and featuring Diane Morgan, the campaign takes a fresh approach to behaviour change, highlighting everyday actions such as running for trains, handling luggage and obstructing doors. With over 800 preventable accidents each year, initiatives like this play an important role in encouraging safer travel habits. It is great to see creative and engaging approaches being used to communicate safety messages across the transport sector. You can watch the campaign here: youtube.com/watch?v=1Xpt37… #RailSafety #TransportSafety #BehaviourChange #SafeTravel

Following the Herman De Croo Lecture, PACTS was pleased to take part in a session in Cambridge focused on how innovation in transport is being delivered in practice. Held with the Greater Cambridge Partnership, the session explored automated vehicles and active travel, alongside a demonstration of the West Cambridge Connector automated bus. All attendees had the opportunity to ride on a safety-driver supervised Level 4 automated bus operating on public roads. A valuable opportunity to connect policy with real-world delivery and see innovation in action. #TransportSafety #Innovation #FutureOfMobility

PACTS was delighted to co-host the 2026 Herman De Croo Lecture in Cambridge, alongside the @ETSC_EU, with support from @Waymo . Nick Reed delivered a hugely thought-provoking lecture on what it means to be a “good” or “bad” driver in an age of increasing automation. It sparked exactly the kind of discussion you would hope for, with conversations continuing well into dinner. A fascinating evening and a reminder that this is a topic very much still open for debate. #TransportSafety #RoadSafety #FutureOfMobility #Policy

MPs, we are interested to know if you are picking up messages from PACTS on this platform or are we best focusing on other social media outlets alongside direct communications. Road safety remains a critical issue in the UK with thousands of deaths and serious injuries each year. Engagement on this topic is vital. #RoadSafety #UKParliament #Policy

🚗 Member Spotlight: GEM Motoring Assist 🚗 GEM Motoring Assist has been helping people make safer journeys for decades, supporting drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Through their charity work, they fund projects that reduce deaths and serious injuries and provide free advice and resources to help road users make safer choices. As a PACTS member, GEM contributes their independent voice to national discussions on safe, sustainable transport and helps ensure road safety initiatives are evidence-led and impactful. Learn more about GEM’s work and priorities here: pacts.org.uk/member-spotlig… #RoadSafety #TransportSafety #PACTS #MemberSpotlight #SaferJourneys #MotorcycleSafety #YoungDrivers

Yesterday we welcomed members to the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety Council of Members meeting at the House of Commons, chaired by Andy MacNae, President of PACTS. The meeting focused on the Government’s developing Road Safety Strategy, with expert insights on several key consultation areas including: - Mandating vehicle safety technologies in GB type approval - Mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers - A minimum learning period for learner drivers - Improvements to moped and motorcycle training, testing and licensing - Changes to penalties for motoring offences Members also heard updates from PACTS Working Parties covering road user behaviour, road environment, vehicle design, rail safety and air safety. Thank you to all members and expert speakers who contributed to a thoughtful and constructive discussion on the future of transport safety in Great Britain. #TransportSafety #RoadSafety #PublicPolicy #PACTS

Stay informed on transport safety in the UK 📩 The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) newsletter provides timely updates on the policies, research and parliamentary activity shaping transport safety across the UK. Subscribers receive: • Updates on road, rail and wider transport safety policy • Summaries of new research and evidence • Insights from Parliament and Government • Invitations to PACTS events, briefings and roundtables • Opportunities to engage with consultations and emerging issues For professionals working in road safety, public transport, enforcement, local government, academia or the private sector, it is a straightforward way to stay connected to the latest developments and informed debate. If you would like to keep up to date with PACTS’ work and wider transport safety issues, you can sign up here: pacts.org.uk/stay-informed-… #TransportSafety #RoadSafety #PublicPolicy

🚦 Have your say on the future of road safety in Great Britain 🚦 The Government has launched a series of consultations alongside the new Road Safety Strategy. Together they could bring one of the most significant updates to road safety policy in recent years. The consultations cover: - Moped and Motorcycle Training, Testing and Licensing - Minimum Learning Period for Learner Drivers - Mandatory Eyesight Testing for Older Drivers - Changes to Penalties for Motoring Offences - Vehicle Safety Technologies in GB Type Approval PACTS has prepared explainers based on our research and input from expert members to help organisations and individuals respond to the consultations. Read the full article and find links to the consultations here: pacts.org.uk/consulting-on-… #RoadSafety #TransportPolicy #MotorcycleSafety #YoungDrivers #OlderDrivers #VehicleSafety #Enforcement #SafeSystem #PACTS

🌟 Farewell to Jamie Morphet 🌟 This week we say goodbye to Jamie Morphet, our Advocacy Officer since January 2025, as he returns to local transport. During his time at PACTS, Jamie played a key role connecting members with policymakers, leading major campaigns, and supporting national road safety initiatives. We are grateful for his energy and impact, and wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career. Read more about Jamie’s achievements and the open Advocacy Officer role here: pacts.org.uk/farewell-to-ja… #Farewell #TransportSafety #RoadSafety #PACTS

Our new PACTS Membership Brochure is now available We are pleased to share our updated membership brochure, setting out how organisations and individuals can engage with and support PACTS’ work to improve road safety across the UK. Membership offers: • Access to expert policy briefings and research • Invitations to events, roundtables and parliamentary discussions • Opportunities to contribute to consultations and shape policy • A strong network of professionals committed to safer roads The brochure outlines the full range of benefits and how to get involved. Read the brochure here: pacts.org.uk/wp-content/upl… If your organisation is committed to improving road safety and transport policy, we would be delighted to start a conversation. #RoadSafety #TransportPolicy #Membership #PACTS

We were delighted to host Chris Boardman CBE, National Active Travel Commissioner, for this year’s lecture, delivered with the generous support of Jacobs. An Olympic gold medallist and leading voice on active travel, Chris shared insights on how evidence-led interventions can drastically reduce deaths and serious injuries on UK roads. Key takeaways from the lecture included: - Evidence-led speed management: Small reductions in average speeds can save hundreds of lives annually. - Designing out danger: Protected cycle lanes, safer junctions, and well-planned infrastructure halve risks and encourage walking and cycling. - Visible, technology-enabled enforcement: Consistent detection—through tools like average speed cameras—is highly effective in reducing collisions. - Clear communication & leadership: Framing road safety improvements in terms of everyday benefits—safer streets, cleaner air, children’s independence—drives public engagement and political support. The lecture sparked a thought-provoking discussion, with members from government, academia, and industry exploring practical implementation, data use, and strategies for building public trust. 📖 Read the full lecture here: pacts.org.uk/events/pacts-3…

🚦 Member Spotlight – Brake 🚦 In 2025, Brake marked 30 years of supporting road victims and promoting safe roads across the UK. From educating children through Kids Walk and Beep Beep! Day to campaigning for safer streets and supporting over 2,000 families affected by road crashes this year, Brake is making a real difference. As a longstanding PACTS member, Brake also plays a vital role in shaping policy, advocating for safer licensing for young drivers, and bringing the voice of road victims directly into discussions with MPs and policymakers. Discover how Brake continues to champion road safety and support those affected on our Member Spotlight page: pacts.org.uk/member-spotlig… #RoadSafety #TransportSafety #PACTS #Brake #MemberSpotlight #RoadVictims

PACTS is pleased to invite you to the Herman De Croo Lecture 2026, taking place on 24 March at St John’s College, Cambridge. Delivered by Dr Nick Reed, this year’s lecture will explore what makes a good or bad driver, how human behaviour interacts with new mobility technologies, and what the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 means in practice for road safety. The lecture will be of particular interest to those working in policy, research, regulation and transport planning. The Herman De Croo Lecture is a well-established forum for thoughtful discussion on the future of road safety, bringing together policymakers, practitioners and researchers to explore evidence, challenge assumptions and share insights. Named after Prof. Herman De Croo, Minister of State and Honorary President of ETSC, the lecture is delivered as a collaboration between PACTS and European Transport Safety Council (@ETSC_EU ). Attendance offers a valuable opportunity to hear directly from a leading expert, engage with peers from across the transport safety community, and connect with policymakers and researchers from across Europe, as members of the ETSC Main Council will also be attending. Places are limited. Full details and registration information are available here: eventbrite.com/e/2026-herman-… #RoadSafety #TransportPolicy #TransportSafety #AutomatedVehicles #SafeSystem #PACTS

🚨 New PACTS Report: Tackling the Hidden Road Safety Gap 🚨 A new PACTS report reveals that seat belt non-compliance and mobile phone use while driving remain serious and under-detected risks on UK roads. Even though surveys show high compliance, unbelted occupants continue to be over-represented in fatalities, and mobile phone distraction remains widespread. Thousands of offences are going undetected every day. The report highlights how emerging technologies – including AI-enabled cameras, in-vehicle monitoring, and telematics – offer real opportunities to detect, deter, and prevent risky behaviours. Key recommendations include: - Modernising the legal framework to allow automated detection - Reviewing penalties and diversionary measures for offenders - Scaling up technology-based enforcement with transparent safeguards - Strengthening employer and fleet responsibility - Using data from new systems to provide richer national insights As PACTS highlights: these steps are essential to close the gap between reported compliance and real-world behaviour, and ultimately save lives on our roads. Read the full report and learn more: pacts.org.uk/hidden-risks-o… #RoadSafety #TransportSafety #SeatBelts #MobilePhones #SafeSystem #PACTS #PublicSafety

Yesterday, PACTS hosted our Council of Members Meeting at the House of Commons, welcoming members both in person and online. We were delighted to hear from Dr Helen Wells, who provided an update on Operation Topaz, a national initiative tackling wider criminality through a proactive, intelligence-led approach employing roads policing across forces. PACTS also shared insights from our report recommending how a World-Leading Strategy should be based on the Safe System sparking valuable discussion on the future of road safety policy. Members contributed updates during our AOB session, highlighting the breadth of activity across the network. Thank you to all members who joined and contributed to a productive session. Your engagement continues to make our community stronger and more impactful. #RoadSafety #TransportSafety #CouncilOfMembers #IntelligenceLedApproach #PublicSafety #PACTS

🚨 Have Your Say on Women’s Safety in Transport 🚨 Today is White Ribbon Day 2025, a reminder that we must all speak up for change. Everyday behaviours that seem small can put women and girls at risk, and we all have a role in creating a world where everyone feels safe, equal, and respected. In support of this message, Women in Transport has launched a new survey to better understand how safe people feel in transport environments and workplaces. The survey is open to everyone. Men and women are encouraged to share their experiences and perspectives. This work aligns with the PACTS vision where every road user feels safe and where transport systems protect people and support equal access for all. The survey also explores awareness and confidence around the safety of women and girls in transport. Two of the questions ask: • How aware are you of the unique safety challenges faced by women and girls in transport environments? • How confident do you feel in identifying ways to improve safety for women and girls in transport settings? Your input will help create safer workplaces and safer journeys across the transport sector. 👉 Take part in the survey: womenintransport.com/womens-safety 👉 Learn more about White Ribbon Day: whiteribbon.org.uk/white-ribbon-d… #WhiteRibbonDay #RoadSafety #WomensSafety #TransportSafety #EveryoneDeservesToFeelSafe

PACTS was pleased to support yesterday’s launch of the Protecting Young Drivers website at the House of Commons. This new resource provides clear, evidence-based guidance on the changes needed to better support newly licensed young drivers. With stronger licensing policy, better early-stage support and closer collaboration across Government and the road safety community, we can reduce harm for young drivers and for everyone using the road. PACTS is proud to stand alongside the many contributors who helped bring this work to life. Explore the website here: protectyoungdrivers.com #YoungDrivers #RoadSafety #TransportSafety #PACTS #VisionZero #SafeSystem