Lib Dem Development Spokesperson Addresses Make Roads Safe Reception

Susan Kramer MP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for International Development, was guest speaker at the Make Roads Safe campaign reception in Brighton, held on 19th September during the Liberal Democrat party conference week.

Susuan Kramer MP signs a Make Roads Safe postcard to UK Development Secretary Hilary Benn MP urging him to do more to prioritise global road traffic injuries.

Edmund King, Director of the RAC Foundation, speaking at the event.

Praising the work of the Make Roads Safe campaign Ms Kramer said roads were an inherent part of development, but all too often the safety element is neglected. Endorsing one of the central messages of the campaign, she said:

“Where funds have been allocated for road infrastructure, 10% should be ring fenced for road safety. I think this is a very reasonable strategy…Roads are central to development and it would be irresponsible not to promote the safety that ought to go hand in hand.”

The International Development spokesperson also signed a campaign postcard to the UK government’s Secretary of State for International Development, Hilary Benn, urging the government to make road safety the first priority in every international development road scheme it supports.

Speaking at the event, Director of the RAC Foundation, Edmund King, said a silent war was being waged in which 1.2 million people are killed on the world’s roads every year. In comparison, he said, funding for road safety is miniscule.

Mr King spoke of the poverty that is caused by road traffic deaths and injuries in developing countries, particularly when the main breadwinner of a family is killed. Now, he said, it is time to take action: “We have heard a lot about Make Poverty History, but you can’t Make Poverty History until you Make Roads Safe, and that is what this campaign is about.”

< Back