Liverpool City Region Combined Authority placed in top spot as it wins Regional Transport Authority of the Year at prestigious UK awards

LIVERPOOL City Region Combined Authority has scooped a top UK award for Regional Transport Authority of the Year at the National Transport Awards.

The Award is open to transport bodies which cover multiple local authority areas, such as combined authorities and is given to organisations that demonstrate progress and improvement across a range of sustainable transport policy areas, as well as providing accessible and reliable transport for all passengers across a network.

Judges recognised the:- �huge strides' the Combined Authority had made in rolling out accessible, affordable, high quality bus and rail services alongside active travel:- �to ensure no community is left behind.'

Mayor of Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, said:- "This is great news and recognition of the work we are delivering on behalf of the people of our city region. This award is testament to the dedication and ambition of everyone who is working to make our transport network one of the best in the country. We've always believed that accessible, affordable and sustainable transport is not just a goal but a right that every community should enjoy. Our mission has always been clear: to ensure that no one is left behind, and today's recognition shows that we're well on the way to achieving that. From our new publicly owned trains, work to take back control of buses and our expanding active travel routes, we're not just investing in infrastructure; we're investing in the future of our region. But we're not done yet. With even more exciting projects in the pipeline, we're committed to delivering the London-style integrated transport system our residents deserve."

Katherine Fairclough, Chief Executive of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, added:- "Congratulations to colleagues across the organisation, the hard work by everyone involved in the incredible projects we've delivered together has been recognised at a national level, as well as the ongoing, daily dedication from our teams who keep the transport network running day in day out."

The Combined Authority's success is attributed to the myriad of new ways it has improved the public transport network across the city region. Its long list of recent achievements include the opening of the �80m Headbolt Lane railway station served by new publicly owned, battery powered trains; an �11m upgrade of the Queensway Tunnel lighting; transforming the bus network including franchising and expanding the zero emission bus fleet; the signing of a deal to build the first new Mersey Ferry in 60 years and delivery of the first phase of the region's planned 500km Active Travel network.

Anthony Smith, Chair of the National Transport Awards Judging Panel, said:- "It was clear to the judges that Liverpool City Region are setting a new standard for public transport in this country and have made huge strides in rolling out accessible, affordable, high-quality bus and rail services alongside active travel to ensure no community is left behind."

The Combined Authority was also shortlisted in two other categories:-

Design, Engineering & Construction Project of the Year - Headbolt Lane Station.
Digital and Technology Excellence in Transport - IPEMU Battery Trains.

In their 21st year and organised by Transport Times, the UK National Transport Awards celebrate the dedication, expertise, success and innovation of those working to continually enhance the transport networks across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Drug driving fatalities up 164% in the last decade

FATALITIES linked to drug driving on UK roads have increased by 164% in less than a decade, from:- 47 in 2014 to 124 in 2023, reveals analysis of new Government data by Direct Line motor insurance. Drug driving deaths accounted for 8% of all road fatalities last year (2023: 1,624 total fatalities).

The analysis revealed an increase in overall collisions attributed to drug driving, up 170% in less than a decade, from:- 684 in 2014 to 1,853 in 2023. Over the period analysed cocaine, benzoylecgonine, cannabis, morphine and ketamine were the most common drugs detected in deceased drivers. A powerful stimulant, cocaine, can impair people's judgement leading to reckless over confidence, while cannabis can slow reaction time, reduce coordination and distort people's perception of the road. The most common age group for deceased drivers to test positive for illegal drugs was:- 20 to 29, followed by those aged 30-39.

In the 12 months to the year ending March 2023, approximately 3.1m (9.5%) of those aged:- 16 to 59 were reported to be using illicit drugs, with such widespread use helping account for the number of accidents caused by people driving whilst impaired by drugs rising steadily. Drugs, whether legal or prescription medication, can impact a driver in a variety of ways including one's ability to judge distances, reaction times, lead to blurry or impaired vision, aggression, erratic behaviour, hallucinations, dizziness and nausea6.

Matt Pernet, Head of Direct Line Motor Insurance said:- "Anyone that gets behind the wheel after taking illegal drugs is making a terrible decision, which can have life-altering consequences for themselves and other road users. While there is a common misconception that some illegal drugs can keep you alert, consumption is not only illegal, but can also impact driving abilities significantly. Alongside taking illegal drugs, it is also illegal in England, Scotland and Wales to drive after taking legal prescription medication, if it impairs your driving. Penalties vary from a minimum of a year driving ban, fines, up to six months in prison and a criminal record. Car insurance costs will also significantly increase so speak to your doctor or pharmacist before getting behind the wheel when taking medication."

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Liverpool City Region Combined Authority placed in top spot as it wins Regional Transport Authority of the Year at prestigious UK awards

Drug driving fatalities up 164% in the last decade