My Role in The Safe System

For this episode, we welcome Adrian Walsh, a defining voice in UK road safety for decades leading initiatives that have transformed how transport safety is understood and delivered. As director of Road Safe and founder of the Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards, Adrian has championed collaboration, innovation and evidence led change. This conversation allows a chance to reflect on his remarkable journey, and in particular, his contributions to the safe system and the future of road safety. Adrian's leadership has inspired generations of professionals committed to saving lives and building safer transport networks worldwide.

James Luckhurst sits down with Sarah Vaughan, lead researcher at Angelica Solutions, to explore one of the fastest-changing areas in urban mobility: the rise of E-bikes, and what their growth means for safety, behaviour, policy, and the wider Safe System.

Sarah, who has over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, returns to the podcast with insights from her latest white paper, which analyses e-bike usage, risks, and opportunities. Her work blends hard data, roadside observation, and industry expertise to help policymakers, insurers, and transport professionals understand how this emerging mode fits into the vision of sustainable...

James Luckhurst sits down with Tom Duckham, Chief Executive of Redspeed International, for a conversation about technology, enforcement, career journeys, and what it really takes to make a lasting difference in road safety.

Tom’s road into the industry was anything but conventional. As he puts it, a youth spent as a motorcycle dispatch rider meant he “saw things… that I wish I could unsee now”, experiences that quietly planted the seed for a lifelong commitment to reducing death and injury on the roads.

From his early days installing London’s first speed cameras in the early...

Commercial drivers keep the UK running, but the personal toll is huge, with high rates of diabetes, chronic fatigue, poor nutrition, and growing mental-health pressures. In this First Friday conversation, James Luckhurst brings together a panel of experts to unpack what’s really happening behind the wheel and what can be done about it.

Featuring Mark Cartwright (National Highways), Anna Earl (nutrevival), Kate Walker (Diabetes Safety Organisation), and Shaun Bridle (Warwickshire County Council), the discussion digs into the realities of shift work, blood-sugar crashes, missed warning signs, and why many drivers avoid seeking help.

You’ll h...

In this fifth edition of Project EDWARD Goes Global, we travel to New Zealand to explore how evidence-based policy and political decision-making can collide when it comes to road safety. Professor Simon Kingham, former Chief Science Advisor to the Ministry of Transport, shares his experience of helping shape the country’s “Road to Zero” strategy, and his frustration as a new government moves to reverse key safety measures, including lower speed limits.

Simon discusses the real-world consequences of sidelining science, the importance of co-benefits such as cleaner air and stronger communities, and why evidence, not ideology, must guide...

In this edition of Project EDWARD Goes Global, the spotlight turns to Vietnam, where innovation and youth empowerment are driving safer roads. James Luckhurst speaks with Trang Truong from the AIP Foundation, whose AI and Me project recently won a Prince Michael International Road Safety Award.

By combining artificial intelligence with youth engagement, the initiative empowers students to identify and map high-risk areas around their schools. Their insights have already led to tangible improvements, crossings, speed bumps, and clearer signage at dozens of schools. Trang explains how the project overcame challenges such as COVID-19 disruptions and government...

In the third edition of Project EDWARD Goes Global, host Harrison Keasey speaks with Thomas Edelmann, founder of Road Safety UAE, a platform dedicated to raising awareness and accountability on the nation’s roads.

With over a decade of impact, Thomas shares how evidence-based research, media collaboration, and partnerships with government and industry have helped drive major progress, including the introduction of the UAE’s holistic seatbelt law.

The discussion explores the power of data, corporate responsibility, and education in building a lasting safety culture in a diverse, fast-growing country. From tackling distracted driving to shap...

In this episode of Project EDWARD Goes Global, host Harrison Keasey visits Helsinki, a city long celebrated as a model for Vision Zero success. Joined by Dr. Igor Radun, a traffic psychology researcher, and Roni Utriainen, a traffic engineer for the City of Helsinki, the discussion explores how Finland’s capital achieved a full year without a single road fatality, and what lessons can be learned from that achievement.

The guests reflect on the many factors behind safer roads, from lower speed limits and improved cycling infrastructure to strong public transport and long-term policy commitment. Yet, recent tr...

Project EDWARD goes global starting with South Africa.

Harrison Keasey takes the reigns as he's joined by Alida Venter, founder of Drive More Safely, who shares her personal journey into road safety activism after the tragic loss of her son in a road crash. Alida explains how that moment led to the creation of her non-profit organisation, which has worked tirelessly for nearly two decades to reduce fatalities, support bereaved families, and advocate for safer driving.

The discussion explores the unique challenges South Africa faces, from high fatality rates and dangerous driving behaviours to the...

James Luckhurst talks with Kate Monk, a driving instructor and trainer from Devon, about her work on My Learner Driver - a resource designed to support safer journeys for young drivers and their families.

Drawing on a decade of experience, Kate explains how recent tragedies in her community have shaped her approach to road safety and inspired a programme that goes beyond teaching test skills. Central to her work is engaging parents, whose driving habits and attitudes strongly influence new drivers. She highlights the importance of building risk awareness, developing anticipatory skills, and encouraging families to create...

We revisit one of the most significant milestones in UK road safety: the introduction of compulsory seat belt wearing in the front seats of cars. Host James Luckhurst is joined by former MP Barry Sheerman, broadcaster Nick Ross, safety advocate Jean Gaffin, and barrister Glynn Maddocks, who together reflect on the years of campaigning, setbacks, and breakthroughs that led to the 1983 legislation.

They share personal stories, political challenges, and the role of evidence-based advocacy in saving countless lives. More than four decades on, their conversation highlights not only the legacy of that change but also the ongoing...

James Luckhurst takes a cycling tour around Regent’s Park with Charlie Wilson from See.Sense, a company pioneering micromobility and cycling safety technology.

Charlie shares how See.Sense began with intelligent bike lights that respond to rider behaviour and has since evolved into advanced sensor systems capturing over 800 data points per second. These insights are helping local authorities, transport bodies, and organisations improve infrastructure, reduce risk, and encourage more people to choose active travel.

From award-winning projects with Transport for London to community initiatives with Essex Council and Sport England, Charlie explains how real-time cy...

In this episode of the Project EDWARD Podcast, we explore a critical yet often overlooked element of road safety... nutrition. James Luckhurst is joined by nutritional therapist Anna Earl (Nutrivival) and Kate Walker (Diabetes Safety) to examine the powerful links between diet, energy levels, and safe driving performance.

From understanding how poor nutrition can lead to fatigue and reduced concentration, to uncovering the hidden risks posed by undiagnosed or poorly managed diabetes, the conversation challenges employers and industry leaders to rethink their approach to driver wellbeing. Kate introduces the Hiding in Plain Sight report, a ground-breaking study...

In this episode of the Project EDWARD Podcast: My Role in the Safe System, James Luckhurst speaks with Seán O’Connor, founder of Ireland’s Drive Aware program, a unique initiative tackling road safety through education and rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Drawing on a background in addiction, mental health, and justice, Seán discusses how Drive Aware works with offenders, particularly young drivers, to explore the causes behind dangerous and careless driving. From self-referrals to court-mandated participation, the program focuses on understanding behaviour, reflecting on consequences, and promoting long-term change. Seán also reflects on the role of...

In this compelling episode of the Project EDWARD podcast, James Luckhurst speaks with Paul Oxborough, founder of Mental Health Motorbike, the UK’s only dedicated mental health support charity for motorcyclists and their families.

Paul shares the poignant story behind the organisation’s creation following the tragic loss of a friend, and how that moment sparked a national movement supporting bikers' mental wellbeing. The discussion explores the crucial intersection between mental health and road safety, highlighting the importance of self-assessment before riding, and how focused riding can be both therapeutic and grounding.

Paul outlines the char...

In this episode, we’re joined by Police and Crime Commissioners Joy Allen (Durham) and Philip Seccombe (Warwickshire), two passionate leaders at the forefront of road safety reform. Together, they unpack the evolving role of PCCs in shaping both local and national road policing strategies.

From relaunching partnerships and rolling out tech like ANPR and Operation Snap, to pushing for bold policy changes like lower drink-driving limits and graduated driver licensing, they aren’t holding back. Both share hard-won insights, what they wish they’d known when they started, what needs to change, and how collaboration (across agenci...

In this episode of My Role in the Safe System, host James Luckhurst speaks with Stewart Lochrie, Managing Director of Caledonian Driver Training and Chair of the ADI National Joint Council.

Stewart shares candid insights into the challenges and opportunities within the driver training industry, particularly around instructor development, public expectations, and the crucial need for cultural change. He emphasises the importance of coaching over instruction, the shortcomings of current training models, and the urgent need to embed modern behavioural science into driving education.

With a focus on improving road safety outcomes and raising standards...

In this episode of the Project EDWARD podcast, James Luckhurst speaks with Dr. Rob Torok, an emergency medicine consultant and air ambulance doctor with over 20 years of frontline experience. While much of his career has focused on post-crash response, Torok now pushes for a stronger focus on prevention.

The constant stream of trauma victims has led him to question why road death and injury figures in the UK—around 1,700 deaths and 23,000 serious injuries annually—have barely changed in over a decade.

Dr Torok argues we need bold leadership, better use of technology, and a cultural shif...

James Luckhurst is joined by James Evans as they dive into the history or First Car. Other topics include:

Join Co-Pilot here

Find out more about Project EDWARD here.

Welcome to the Project EDWARD Podcast, where we explore data-driven actions for safe mobility.

Join the EDWARD team and our key partners as we facilitate events, symposiums, webinars, discussions, and podcast episodes. Our mission is to share evidence-led good practices that support the Safe System. Tune in to stay informed...

Kate Walker joins James Luckhurst to discuss the hidden epidemic that is diabetes and it's impact on road safety in a fascinating discussion that ventures into:

Contact Kate here

Find out more about Project EDWARD here.

Welcome to the Project EDWARD Podcast, where we explore data-driven actions for safe mobility.

Join the EDWARD team and our key partners as we facilitate events, symposiums, webinars, discussions, and podcast episodes. Our mission is to share evidence-led good practices that support the Safe System...

Behaviour change psychologist Professor Fiona Fylan discusses strategies for promoting safer behaviours with James Luckhurst. The conversation centres on the Safe System approach to road safety, which focuses on the psychological aspects of behaviour change. The two emphasize the importance of understanding human factors to effectively reduce road traffic incidents.

Find Fiona Fylan here

Find out more about Project EDWARD here.

Welcome to the Project EDWARD Podcast, where we explore data-driven actions for safe mobility.

Join the EDWARD team and our key partners as we facilitate events, symposiums, webinars, discussions, and...

'Mr Safe System' Dan Campsall joins Jame Luckhurst to discuss Agilysis' role in the safe system and report back from the Global Road Safety Conference in Marrakesh. Topics include:

Find out more about Project EDWARD here.

Welcome to the Project EDWARD Podcast, where we explore data-driven actions for safe mobility.

Join the EDWARD team and our key partners as we facilitate events, symposiums, webinars, discussions, and podcast episodes. Our mission is to share...

Said Dahdah discusses the World Bank's role in the Safe System, including:

Said also provides an interesting take on the Safe System and how it is sometimes misunderstood.

Find out more about Project EDWARD here.

Welcome to the Project EDWARD Podcast, where we explore data-driven actions for safe mobility.

Join the EDWARD team and our key partners as we facilitate events, symposiums...

Saul Jeavons joins us this week to take a look at fatal collision review boards, and discuss with the UK needs a road safety investigation branch.

Find Saul on LinkedIn

Find out more about Project EDWARD here.

Welcome to the Project EDWARD Podcast, where we explore data-driven actions for safe mobility.

Join the EDWARD team and our key partners as we facilitate events, symposiums, webinars, discussions, and podcast episodes. Our mission is to share evidence-led good practices that support the Safe System. Tune in to stay informed and inspired by the...

This episode is a recording of a recent Project EDWARD webinar.

The topic is Road Death what is Justice? Which we hope offers an appropriate opportunity to navigate the complex intersection of law, safety and grief.

In an era where mobility is so important, the tragic reality of road fatalities continues to challenge our society on multiple fronts. This webinar brings together a diverse audience of legal professionals, law enforcement officers and bereaved families, road safety experts, coroners and academics to explore the issues surrounding road deaths and the pursuit of justice.

Over...

James Luckhurst interviews Sarah Vaughan from Angelica Solutions. They discuss the role of insurers in road safety, particularly focusing on how driving style and collision frequency are related.

Sarah explains that insurers have a unique position to influence road safety due to their extensive data on crashes. However, she notes that insurers often prioritise profit over reducing collisions. They also talk about the potential benefits of telematics car insurance, which tracks driving behaviour and can encourage safer driving through incentives.

Sarah highlights the challenges of data sharing among insurers and the importance of pooling data...

Rebecca Morris of Vision Zero Communications joins James to explore how we get the road safety message to more people, including:

Find out more from Vision Zero Communications.

Find out more about Project EDWARD here.

Project EDWARD (Every Day Without A Road Death) is the biggest platform for showcasing good practice in road safety in the UK. Founded in 2016 as an annual event led by Police, Project EDWARD has grown into a year-round programme backed by government, the emergency services, highways agencies, road safety organisations an...

James Luckhurst and Terry Cook delve into the latest developments and future plans for Project EDWARD (Every Day Without A Road Death). They reflect on the previous series, highlighting the diverse range of guests and the valuable insights shared, particularly from unexpected contributors like coroners and surgeons.

Key Points:

Find out more about Project EDWARD here.

Project EDWARD have replaced the annual week of action with a strategically-planned year-round programme of activity, guided by this year’s theme – Data-driven actions for safe mobility. The programme will involve members of the EDWARD team working with key partners to facilitate events, symposiums, webinars, discussions, podcast episodes and online activity… with the specific aim of sharing examples of evidence-led good practice that supports the Safe System.

Find out more about Project EDWARD here.

Project EDWARD have replaced the annual week of action with a strategically-planned year-round programme of activity, guided by this year’s theme – Data-driven actions for safe mobility. The programme will involve members of the EDWARD team working with key partners to facilitate events, symposiums, webinars, discussions, podcast episodes and online activity… with the specific aim of sharing examples of evidence-led good practice that supports the Safe System.

Johanna Foreske, Chief Business Officer, at Greater Than, joins James Luckhurst to discuss the AI that understands the likelihood of a driver being involved in a crash.

Conversation topics include:

Find out more about Greater Than here

Find out more about Project EDWARD here.

Project EDWARD have replaced the annual week of action with a strategically-planned year-round programme of activity, guided by this year’s theme – Data...

Mark Wilsmore owns the Ace Cafe in London, established in 1938, today the Ace has become “the home” for petrolheads and is known as the world´s most famous motor cafe.

While Mark and Ace may have a real passion for riding, they also have a strong sense of duty to protect riders who may need persuading that things can and do go wrong.

Check out Ace Cafe here.

Find out more about Project EDWARD here.

Project EDWARD has replaced the annual week of action with a strategically-planned year-round programme of activity, guide...

Words matter.

Today James Luckhurst is joined by Laura Laker who shares her 10 guidelines for reporting on RTCs, particularly focussing on why we use 'vehicle' rather than 'driver'.

Whether you're reporting on RTCs, or simply discussing them, our language makes a difference.

Find out more about Project EDWARD here.

Project EDWARD have replaced the annual week of action with a strategically-planned year-round programme of activity, guided by this year’s theme – Data-driven actions for safe mobility. The programme will involve members of the EDWARD team working with key partners to facilitate event...

In this thought-provoking episode, Harrison Keasey leads the discussion on the evolution of automotive technology and accessibility.

As autonomous vehicles become a reality, they promise convenience, safety, and efficiency. But how do these advancements impact individuals facing challenges?

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of transportation, this episode offers valuable perspectives. Tune in as we navigate the road ahead, guided by empathy, innovation, and a commitment to leaving no one behind.

Find out more about Project EDWARD here.

Project EDWARD have replaced the annual week of a...

Olly Tayler spent 30 years working in Devon and Cornwall police, half of which were focussed on road policing. Olly has since put his time into The Honest Truth; an app designed to help driving instructors provide road safety interventions with their students.

This has resulted in over 6,500 interventions so far.

Find out more about Project EDWARD here.

Project EDWARD have replaced the annual week of action with a strategically-planned year-round programme of activity, guided by this year’s theme – Data-driven actions for safe mobility. The programme will involve members of the EDWARD team worki...

In this edition, we need to talk about hands-free, as new research emphasises the dangers of hands-free phone use while driving.

Now, hands-free use by drivers is not against the law, but an extensive body of research has shown it's no safer than hand-held phone use and a project called ‘Are you a focused driver?’ has been encouraging police officers to avoid recommending hands-free to drivers as an alternative to hand-held.

It may make a driver legal, but it does nothing to reduce the distraction risk. Here to tell us more is the co-author of the...

Welcome to the Project EDWARD podcast – My role in the safe system – with James Luckhurst. 

The March 2024 episode introduces us to a surgeon, who explains how greater sharing of collision data - and medical information about crash victims - could lead to a better understanding of the causes and the costs – both human and financial – of death and injury on the country’s roads – and improve safety in the process.

Crash and casualty data is routinely collected by the police who attend incidents or are made aware of them. It is then published by the Department fo...

A very warm welcome to the latest edition of the podcast series from Project EDWARD - my role in the Safe System - that will be running through 2024. This time we welcome a great friend of Project EDWARD, Terry Cook: a driving instructor who runs the Instructor Podcast and the Five Minute Theory Test.

Hello and welcome to the January 2024 edition of the Project Edward Podcast Series. The theme continues from last year as we invite guests to set out their own role in the safe system. My name is James Luckhurst and in this edition will be hearing from the winner of the Premier 2022 Prince Michael International Road Safety Award Professor Tim Nutbeam, who's director of the Exit Project, which has been revolutionizing extrication techniques.

Tim will be talking to us about how the project is bedded in where there's been resistance and how its key points can be replicated...

Welcome to the Project EDWARD Podcast series for 2023. My role in the Safe system and we're now at episode eight. We're very pleased to welcome Lisa Townsend, Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner, who leads on Roads policing for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners. Darren Lindsey caught up with Lisa recently for a conversation all about her work and her role in the safe system.

Hello and welcome to episode seven of the Project. Edward 2023 Podcast with me, James Luckhurst. The title of the podcast season is My Role in the Safe System. And this week we're in the esteemed company of two leaders from the world of law enforcement. Joy Allen, Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham and the National Deputy Lead for Roads Policing and Jo Shiner, Chief Constable of Sussex and the National Police Chiefs Council lead for roads policing.

Welcome to episode six of the Project EDWARD 2023 podcast. With me, James Luckhurst. The title of the podcast is My Role in the Safe System, and for this week's conversation, I've made the journey to the North East to catch up with someone whose own role in the safe system really only comes into play when something catastrophic has happened.

Hello and welcome to episode five of the project EDWARD 2023 Podcast. My role in the Safe system. This week our reporter is Darren Lindsey and he's in conversation with Mark Cartwright from National Highways for a discussion on some of the unique challenges faced by truck and van drivers on the Strategic Road Network and a look at what's being done to improve levels of safety, compliance and driver well-being.

Darren met Mark at the recent Fleet Operators Recognition Scheme (FORS) Conference in Birmingham, first asking him about the benefits of technology in supporting drivers.

Hello and welcome to episode four of the Project EDWARD 2023 Podcast. My role in the Safe system with me, James Luckhurst. In this program we catch up with Chris Spinks, Managing Director of Westcotec, for a chat about the best ways of utilizing technology to influence driver behaviour. But first, as it's mid-November, everyone in the road safety sector will be preparing to embrace one of the biggest happenings in the calendar Road Safety Week.

It's organised by Brake, and just a few days ago I had the opportunity to find out a bit more from Lucy...

Hello and welcome to episode three of the Project EDWARD 2023 Podcast. My role in the Safe System. My name is James Luckhurst and today I'm in Liverpool with Dr. Adam Snow from Liverpool, John Moores University. Adam is going to be reflecting on the penalty points system for drivers, the totting up rules and whether anything has changed in terms of reported abuse of the exceptional hardship plea opportunity.

We'll also be considering the latest thinking on distractions in the company of Dr. George Yanis, who's a professor in traffic and safety engineering and director of the...

In this episode, join Project EDWARD at the Highways UK Exhibition in Birmingham where Max Sugarman from the Intelligent Transport Systems (UK) connects with industry experts Vivi Michalaki of National Highways, Geoff Collins of Acusensus and Rodney Moffat of Amey. Together, they explore the pivotal role technology plays in enhancing road safety for everyone. Tune in to discover how these innovators are shaping the future of safer roads through cutting-edge solutions.

Welcome to the autumn 2023 series of the Project Edward podcast. My name is James Luckhurst and every week for the next couple of months I'm going to be hearing from all sorts of people relating to their role in the Safe System. Today we're starting in the middle of the countryside at Hartshill Hays country park in Warwickshire. In a moment, I'm going to be heading to the new memorial to road traffic victims, which was unveiled by Sharron Huddleston earlier in the summer. But before meeting Sharron, let's familiarise ourselves with a few people whose efforts and energy...