BLT Driver Training recently attended the Hampshire Road Safety Summit, hosted by Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Donna Jones. The summit brought together police leaders, local authorities, highways partners, charities, and road safety organisations, all focused on a shared goal: reducing harm and improving safety on the roads across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
The event highlighted the scale of road casualties locally and nationally, as well as the continued need for proactive enforcement, education, and partnership working. For organisations responsible for drivers, and for individuals who rely on their vehicles every day, the message was clear: road safety is a shared responsibility.
BLT Driver Training is a national provider of professional driver training and assessments, supporting licensing authorities, fleet operators, and professional drivers across the UK. The organisation works closely with public sector partners, businesses, and professional drivers to improve safety standards, reduce risk, and promote responsible driving behaviours.
Why the summit mattered: the scale of road harm locally
Road safety remains a significant concern across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Between October 2024 and September 2025, 1,286 people were killed or seriously injured on roads across the two counties (ONS / DfT Reported Road Casualty Statistics, September 2025).
Nationally, around 30,000 people are killed or seriously injured on UK roads every year.
These figures serve as a stark reminder that many collisions are preventable. Behind every statistic are families, communities, and emergency services dealing with the consequences of incidents that can occur in seconds but have lifelong impact.
The most common causes of serious collisions continue to include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Drink or drug driving
- Not wearing a seatbelt
At the summit, it was also announced that careless and inconsiderate driving will now be recognised as a key contributing factor in serious collisions, reinforcing the need for stronger awareness and driver responsibility.
Enforcement and investment: new measures announced
One of the landmark announcements from the summit was a strengthened approach to road policing across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Key developments include:
- A new Roads Policing Team dedicated to tackling dangerous driving
- A £340,000 investment in road safety projects
- Additional funding for community initiatives such as speed indicator devices, digital road signage, and Community Speedwatch schemes
- Support for fixed yellow speed cameras in high-risk areas
These initiatives form part of a broader effort to improve safety across the region and respond to concerns raised by communities about speeding, dangerous driving, and anti-social behaviour on the roads.
The new policing focus will target what were previously known as the ‘Fatal Four’ driving offences. At the summit, it was announced that careless and inconsiderate driving will now be recognised as an additional contributing factor, expanding the list to what is now being referred to as the ‘Fatal Five’.
While enforcement plays a critical role, the summit also emphasised that education and prevention remain equally important in improving long-term road safety.
Younger and older drivers: a key risk area
Discussions during the summit highlighted that both younger and older drivers can face increased risk on the roads.
Driving behaviour, confidence levels, and familiarity with modern road systems can all influence how drivers respond to hazards. For older drivers in particular, changes in vision, health, reaction times, road layouts, or vehicle technology can affect confidence behind the wheel.
Supporting drivers to maintain their awareness, confidence, and safe driving habits is therefore an important part of improving road safety.
This is where mature driver training and driver refresher training for older drivers can play an important role in helping people remain safe and confident behind the wheel.
BLT Driver Training at the Hampshire Road Safety Summit
BLT Driver Training attended the summit to support wider conversations focused on improving road safety and driver standards across the region.
The event provided an opportunity to contribute to discussions with policing teams, road safety professionals, and partner organisations working to reduce collisions and improve driver behaviour.
As a provider of professional driver development and assessments, BLT Driver Training’s work aligns closely with the summit’s emphasis on education, prevention, and safer driving practices.
During the event, BLT Driver Training also highlighted the upcoming Mature Drivers Confidence Builder Course, launching in May.
This mature driver training programme has been designed to provide supportive, practical coaching for drivers who may benefit from refreshing their skills or rebuilding confidence behind the wheel.
The course focuses on helping drivers:
- Refresh driving skills and hazard awareness
- Improve confidence behind the wheel
- Understand modern road layouts and Highway Code updates
- Adapt to changes in vehicle technology
- Gain reassurance for themselves and their families
This form of training is designed to support drivers who may feel less confident than they once did, drive less frequently, or want reassurance navigating modern roads.
Importantly, the course is not a ‘fit to drive’ assessment. Instead, it provides supportive guidance and coaching that helps drivers maintain safe habits and continue driving confidently and independently.
How BLT Driver Training supports safer roads
BLT Driver Training provides professional driver development and assessments for individuals and organisations across the UK.
Courses are designed to improve driving standards, safety awareness, and decision-making, supporting drivers at every stage – from employees operating vans, minibuses, or electric vehicles to drivers requiring formal assessments or professional development.
Services include:
- Taxi and private hire driver assessments
- Accredited safeguarding and disability awareness training
- Corporate driver development and fleet risk reduction programmes
- Professional driving assessments delivered virtually, online, or on-site
Through education, training, and professional driver development, BLT Driver Training helps organisations reduce corporate road risk, improve driver behaviour, and strengthen overall road safety standards.
Supporting safer journeys for everyone
The Hampshire Road Safety Summit reinforced an important message: reducing road casualties requires a combined effort from enforcement, education, and responsible driving behaviour.
By working alongside police, local authorities, and road safety partners, organisations like BLT Driver Training can contribute to that goal – improving driver awareness, strengthening professional standards, and supporting safer journeys across the UK.
Safer roads start with safer decisions behind the wheel.
Contact BLT Driver Training
Enquiries: 0330 441 6847
Learn more about our driver training courses:
bltdrivertraining.co.uk
You can also register your interest in the upcoming Mature Drivers Confidence Builder Course via the Mature Drivers Expression of Interest Form.
