London Cycle Hire

brake may be wrong about helmets, but several of these are sensible (if, taken together, a little over the top, perhaps..)
The road

• Speed limits are no higher than 20mph for villages and towns, and lower limits on residential roads.
  
• Traffic-free zones are in all communities so children can roam.
  
• Pavements and safe crossing places are on all community streets.
  
• Separate cycle paths are next to all road or rail routes.
  
• Bus services are in all communities, with links to train stations and times.
  
• Large trucks are restricted in all communities, by size and time and roads.
  
• Speed limits are no higher than 40mph for single carriageway rural roads, and 20mph for narrow country lanes.
  
• Speed limits are no higher than 60mph for two or more lane trunk roads.
  
• High speed rail is available for passengers and freight, for all long distance routes.
  
• There are restrictions on road use, when sustainable, safer transport options are accessible.
  
  

The vehicle

• Maximum engine capacity is limited to within the maximum speed limit.
  
• All vehicles are driven by sustainable power with zero emissions.
  
• Finger-print locks are on all vehicles, so only drivers insured and licensed to drive can do so.
  
• Speed limit activated speed limiters (ISA), limit vehicles to within the posted speed limit.
  
• Alcolocks and druglocks are on all vehicles.
  
• Seat belt locks are on all vehicles, preventing the vehicle being driven unless belts are fastened.
  
• Occupant crash protection measures are on all buses as well as all other vehicles, such as 3-point belts.
  
• Occupant and pedestrian safety design measures are required by law to latest, highest standards.
  
• Telematics are in vehicles to record driving style, distance and times.
  
• Compulsory qualifications are required for vehicle mechanics, renewed in line with technological developments.
  
• Vehicles must have compulsory servicing, in line with manufacturer recommendations on timing and standards. An on-board clock prevents a vehicle starting if a service date is missed.
  
• Vehicles can’t be started if the on-board computer identifies a safety critical defect between services.
  
• Safety-critical design problems are solved, such as temperamental wheel fixings on large vehicles.
  
  

The driver

• Compulsory road crash awareness education is in nurseries and schools for all ages, warning against driving.
  
• Driver licensing age is raised to above the teens, to allow for cognitive development.
  
• Driver licensing involves compulsory training by a professional over several years.
  
• Driver training focuses on hazard and crash awareness and prevention measures.
  
• Driver licensing requires mental as well as physical health assessment, to rigorous standards
  
• New drivers are banned from driving at night and on the fastest roads.
  
• New drivers are banned from carrying passengers other than their own family members.
  
• Health screening for eyesight and impairing medical conditions is required regularly for all drivers.
  
• There is regular compulsory re-testing of drivers.
  
• There is a ban on all levels of drink driving, with a trace element of no more than 20mg per 100ml of blood allowable
  
• There is a ban on use of any impairing drug while driving, legal or illegal.
  
• There is a ban on mobile phones and pagers of all kinds while driving.
  
• There is a ban on overtaking free-moving traffic, except on multi-lane roads.
  
• Sleep and journey break laws are in line with academic advice on required rest, for all drivers.
  
  

Enforcement

• Cameras on roads and in vehicles can identify vehicles, drivers, and any offences that can still feasibly be committed, such as red light running or mobile phone use.
  
• Large numbers of highly trained traffic police are armed with relevant detecting equipment, to patrol and identify offences that can still be committed.
  
• Traffic police have the power to seize dangerous vehicles and prohibit dangerous drivers.
  
• A highly resourced agency enforces company fleet safety, helping companies implement safety requirements.
  
• A crash investigation agency investigates and records crash numbers and causes and prevents future tragedies.
  
• Life bans are implemented for life-threatening and life-taking drivers.