The mobile landscape is ever-evolving, and as we bid farewell to the second and third generations of mobile phone networks, exciting advancements await us. In this article post, we’ll delve into the recent announcement by the UK government and major mobile network operators (MNOs) regarding the retirement of 2G and 3G networks and the implications for consumers.

Starting April 2024, Transport for London (TfL) is mandating FORS Gold accreditation or an equivalent scheme for all new Greater London Authority Group contracts over £1 million involving vehicles. This move aims to enhance vehicle safety, aligning with the Vision Zero goal to eliminate road deaths and injuries. FORS, a safety and environmental standards accreditation scheme, has been instrumental in raising industry standards.

In a tragic incident three weeks ago, a woman lost her life after being struck by a bus outside Victoria station in central London. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the pedestrian’s death, which occurred just after 9 am when a bus collided with her outside Victoria Bus Station.

This unfortunate event echoed a similar tragedy at the same station three years prior when a bus driver mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake, leading to the death of another female pedestrian. The bus involved in the recent accident, a number 13 double-decker, crashed into a passenger shelter at Terminus Place.

Despite an immediate response from Metropolitan police units, British Transport Police, and the London Ambulance Service, the woman was pronounced dead at 9:26 am. The bus driver was also taken to the hospital, and efforts were made to trace the victim’s next of kin.

The area surrounding the station was cordoned off with a large piece of black tarpaulin, and specialised police traffic investigators examined the circumstances of the collision. While the bus station was closed for the foreseeable future, the railway station remained unaffected.

In the wake of this tragedy, calls for enhanced safety measures have grown, with a spotlight on how advanced technology, such as the Direct Vision Standard (DVS), could have potentially prevented this incident. DVS systems provide real-time monitoring of a vehicle’s surroundings, utilising cameras and sensors to detect potential dangers and alerting the driver promptly.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed condolences, calling the incident an “awful tragedy” and emphasising the need for a full investigation. The incorporation of DVS systems and other advanced safety technologies may play a crucial role in preventing similar incidents in the future.

Emergency services treated a third person at the scene, who was later discharged. The British Transport Police assisted in the investigation, and Transport for London (TfL) provided support to those affected.

This recent incident, along with the echoes of the past tragedy in August 2021 when Melissa Burr lost her life in a similar collision, underlines the urgency of adopting comprehensive safety measures and leveraging technology to ensure public safety on busy urban roads.