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, safe transport.In this episode:Why E-bikes matter - the huge potential for active travel, reduced congestion, and greener cities.Where the risks are growing- including lack of helmet use (just 19% of riders observed), red-light jumping (54% of E-bike riders), and the rise of unregistered or illegally modified bikes.The data challenge - how the absence of E-bike identifiers in Stats19 hampers meaningful analysis and makes collisions hard to track.Delivery riders and new behaviours - what happens when a rapidly expanding workforce has no licensing, training, or traceability.Infrastructure frustrations - why human behaviour at junctions can’t be fixed by enforcement alone, and what Scandinavian examples can teach usInsurance concerns - the gap in protection for pedestrians and riders when most bikes aren’t insured and collisions go unrecorded.Policy questions - whether registration, speed compliance, or clearer rules are needed before adoption outpaces safety frameworks.Simple, practical steps - from promoting helmet use and alcohol awareness to encouraging mutual respect between all road users.Sarah also talks us through her personal journey from cautious observer to regular E-bike rider, and how those lived experiences sharpened her interest in understanding the true risks and rewards of E-bikes today.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 latest in road safety and mobility innovations.Follow us on:FacebookLinkedInInstagram

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 1990s, through the era of camera partnerships, media battles, and evolving public attitudes, Tom talks openly about the challenges and misconceptions surrounding enforcement. Throughout, Tom stresses the importance of partnership over product, summed up in Redspeed’s new strapline: “Safer Roads, Smarter Solutions, Protecting Communities.”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 latest in road safety and mobility innovations.Follow us on:FacebookLinkedInInstagram

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 hear practical, realistic solutions: small nutritional changes that make a big difference, how employers can support healthier habits, why driver roadworthiness needs board-level attention, and the hidden risks like peripheral neuropathy that often go unnoticed.It’s an honest, insightful look at the human side of commercial driving — and how improving driver wellbeing improves road safety for everyone.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 latest in road safety and mobility innovations.Follow us on:FacebookLinkedInInstagram

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 the path to safer roads. It’s an honest, sobering conversation about progress, setbacks, and persistence - a reminder that leadership, accountability, and valuing human life must sit at the heart of every transport decision.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 latest in road safety and mobility innovations.Follow us on:FacebookLinkedInInstagram

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 bureaucracy through flexibility, creativity, and partnership. She also shares three key lessons: trust young people, pair technology with advocacy, and build strong partnerships. This episode highlights how smart technology and empowered communities can work together to make lasting, life-saving change on the world’s roads.AIP Foundation – Transforming Mobility for AllFind 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 latest in road safety and mobility innovations.Follow us on:FacebookLinkedInInstagram

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 shaping safer habits among young motorists, this episode highlights how passion, persistence, and collaboration can truly save lives.Road Safety UAE | The first Road Safety Portal in the UAEFind 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 latest in road safety and mobility innovations.Follow us on:FacebookLinkedInInstagram

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 tragedies highlight how fragile progress can be. Together, they examine how randomness, data interpretation, and the political climate all influence road safety.Ultimately, the conversation underscores that while Vision Zero provides a powerful framework, maintaining safety demands constant vigilance, evidence-based action, and collaboration across every level of society.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 latest in road safety and mobility innovations.Follow us on:FacebookLinkedInInstagram

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 lack of resources in rural communities. Alida highlights how international collaboration through Project EDWARD is helping to inspire change and why community-driven campaigns, even small ones, can make a real difference. Her message is clear: responsibility begins behind the wheel, and every individual has the power to save lives.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 latest in road safety and mobility innovations.Follow us on:FacebookLinkedInInstagram

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 their own safety strategies. The conversation also explores challenges of rural driving, the role of technology and psychology in behaviour change, and the need for wider support from policymakers and road safety professionals.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 latest in road safety and mobility innovations.Follow us on:FacebookLinkedInInstagram

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 need to tackle complacency and protect vulnerable road users today.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 latest in road safety and mobility innovations.Follow us on:FacebookLinkedInInstagram

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 cycling data can transform safety and support the Safe System approach. Join us for an engaging conversation on how technology, data, and smart design can create safer, more sustainable roads for everyone.Check out See.Sense hereFind 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 latest in road safety and mobility innovations.Follow us on:FacebookLinkedInInstagram

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 calling for urgent industry action to address the risks diabetes poses to road users.With practical solutions, examples of progressive workplace support, and a call for sustainable cultural change, this episode offers valuable insights for road safety professionals, fleet managers, and anyone committed to safer roads through better health.NutrivivalDiabetes Safety OrganisationFind 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 latest in road safety and mobility innovations.Follow us on:FacebookLinkedInInstagram

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 enforcement versus education in road safety strategy and why punitive measures alone often fall short. With insights into human behaviour behind the wheel, this episode offers a compelling case for compassionate intervention and evidence-based reform.Learn more about Drive AwareFind 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 latest in road safety and mobility innovations.Follow us on:FacebookLinkedInInstagram

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 charity’s growth, including its national network of Mental Health First Aiders and powerful partnerships with road safety organisations. With moving anecdotes and practical strategies, this episode underscores the life-saving potential of peer support, presence at biker events, and proactive mental health engagement. A must-listen for anyone interested in the human side of road safety.Find out more from Mental Health Motorbike hereFind 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 latest in road safety and mobility innovations.Follow us on:FacebookLinkedInInstagram

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 agencies and communities) is the real engine behind safer roads. We also hear about the powerful impact of victim advocacy, the importance of holding forces accountable, and how every traffic stop could disrupt wider criminal activity. This is a must-listen for anyone invested in road safety, policy innovation, and community protection.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 latest in road safety and mobility innovations.Follow us on:FacebookLinkedInInstagram

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, Stuart advocates for systemic reform and greater collaboration across industry stakeholders. A must-listen for those passionate about safer roads and meaningful change in driver education.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 latest in road safety and mobility innovations.Follow us on:FacebookLinkedInInstagram

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 shift in how we approach road safety. He calls for the full implementation of the promised Road Safety Investigation Branch. Above all, he believes it’s time to stop treating driving as routine and start recognising it as the high-risk activity it truly is.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 latest in road safety and mobility innovations.Follow us on:FacebookLinkedInInstagram

James Luckhurst is joined by James Evans as they dive into the history or First Car. Other topics include:Co-Pilot - The Vision Zero CommunityAnnoying the DVSAThe role of technologyJoin Co-Pilot hereFind 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 latest in road safety and mobility innovations.Follow us on:FacebookLinkedInInstagram

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:Legal obligationsThe importance of braking down misconceptionsWhat is diabetesContact Kate hereFind 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 latest in road safety and mobility innovations.Follow us on:FacebookLinkedInInstagram