Automotive industry honoured for 'outstanding' contribution to road safety

Date: 8/12/2010

The motoring industry has been honoured with an accolade for the contribution it has made to road safety over the last 20 years.

It won a Prince Michael International Safety Award for helping to reduce the number of road deaths in the UK by 58 per cent since 1989.

Presenting the prize, Prince Michael of Kent praised the automotive industry for making "huge investments" in the development of safety products, which have saved lives and have the potential to save millions more.

"Many of us take these innovations for granted, so this year I want to recognise the outstanding achievement of this industry," he said.

The award was collected by Paul Everitt, Chief Executive for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, who added today's vehicles have never been safer and manufacturers are continuing to develop new technologies to further protect road users.

Last month, the Road Safety Foundation was also honoured with one of the royal accolades.

Posted by Sarah Bailey