Labour MP Has Called For A National Audit Of The UK's Roads

A Labour MP believes swift action is needed to assess the safety of the UK's roads.

There have been ten cyclist deaths nationwide in November so far, with six of these happening in London.

Speaking to Sky News, MP for Dudley North Ian Austin said: "We need to see an urgent review of the most dangerous junctions across the country and we need to see a proper audit of how the Cycle Superhighway scheme here in London is operating."

This is a particularly pressing matter, as another eight Cycle Superhighways are due to open in the capital by 2015, so it is important that their safety credentials are scrutinised.

The government continues to encourage people to use bicycles and public transport, as it attempts to slash the nation's carbon emissions, but these latest incidents have done little to promote pedal power.

Simon Meadwell told the news provider that he had been knocked over by a coach while out cycling in Dorset three years ago and he was reluctant to get back in the saddle. In fact, it took him more than a year to build up enough courage to use his bike again.

"Cycling offers great freedom," he was quoted as saying.

"I've lost two stone (and) I feel great but I have to say at the end of each journey I'm relieved that I'm still alive."

A number of recent reports, most notably a study conducted by the Road Safety Foundation and European Road Assessment Programme (EuroRAP), have identified the most dangerous roads in the UK.

The Road Safety Foundation/EuroRAP research compiled a list of roads that have seen the most fatal vehicle collisions in the past few years.

Now, the likes of Mr Austin are keen for a similar study to be conducted from a cyclist's perspective - particularly around junctions.

All ten of the cyclist fatalities reported this month have involved large vehicles of some description, though London mayor Boris Johnson has vetoed suggestions that lorries should be banned from using certain roads during peak times.

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Expert Opinion

“The statistics across Britain show that around three quarters of fatal or serious cycling accidents occur in urban areas and around 75 per cent also happen near a road junction. <br/> <br/>“The consequences of a cyclist colliding with a motor vehicle can be devastating and we are often instructed by clients who suffer life changing head, brain or spinal cord injuries. <br/> <br/>“Many of our clients need years of rehabilitation treatment such as physiotherapy to help get their lives back on track and still need specialist care to help them with every day activities such as washing and dressing which we all take for granted. <br/> <br/>“Cyclists are vulnerable road users so we welcome any audit that reviews how to keep them safe and how to ensure motorists and cyclists can share the road more safely.” <br/> Stephen Nye - Partner