A new two-year action plan to improve the safety of vulnerable road users has been announced by the UK government’s Department for Transport (DfT).

There are 50 new measures in the government’s plan to combat road rage, encourage greater mutual respect between road users and protect the most vulnerable. Councils will be given powers to tackle dangerous parking in mandatory cycle lanes, and will also be encouraged to spend around 15 percent of their local transport infrastructure funding on walking and cycling.

“Greater road safety— and especially the protection of vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders – is essential,” said Cycling and Walking Minister Jesse Norman. “We want to improve air quality, encourage healthy exercise, reduce obesity and boost our high streets and economic productivity.

“That means more support for cycling and walking, and that’s why these new measures are designed to deliver.”

As part of the action plan, a bespoke new back office unit will be set up for police to analyse dash cam video evidence submitted by the public. This builds on the success of Operation Snap – a programme first piloted by North Wales Police in 2016.

The DfT will also appoint a new cycling and walking champion and will host a new 2019 Bikeability Summit encouraging businesses to promote cycling and walking schemes to their employees.

“People who choose to cycle or walk should be able to do so in a safe and welcoming environment; active travel is not only great for personal health but public health too,” said Joshua Harris, Director of Campaigns at Brake, the road safety charity. “With cyclists and pedestrians among the most vulnerable on our roads, safety, and the perceptions of safety, need to be addressed to encourage more people to leave their cars at home and get active.”

The action plan will also assess whether insurance companies could offer discounts to drivers and motorcyclists who have passed Bikeability training. The DfT will work closely with courier companies to explore incentives for drivers who undergo training in driving safely alongside cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.