Car hire customers to benefit from safer roads?

Those hiring cars in the UK could find that travelling becomes safer, as the government is aiming to improve standards at road works sites.

Recent changes required utility firms to increase the amount of information provided, but the rules are now being extended to councils that carry out their own work.

New equipment requirements are being introduced to the safety code of practice, while work near trams or railway level crossings will be subject to stricter standards.

Transport minister Sadiq Khan explained that he has made tacking the disruption road works can cause a priority since taking up the post in 2009.

"It is not acceptable for works to be badly signed, left in a dangerous state or put in place without a thought for the needs of road users," he said.

Road safety was recently highlighted by Sainsbury’s Finance, as the firm warned car hire customers and other motorists of the dangers of using a mobile phone behind the wheel.

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