Karin Smyth, MP for Bristol South, has been given the accolade of Parliamentarian of the Month in 2016 for May, by the road safety charity Brake and Direct Line Group. The award recognises Karin’s work fighting for tougher road safety regulations following the death of Freddie Hussey.
Three-year-old Freddie was crushed by a two-tonne trailer when it became detached from a Land Rover that was passing by as Freddie and his Mum were walking home. Ever since his death, Freddie’s parents have been fighting for tougher regulations for vehicles towing trailers.
Their cause has been championed by Karin Smyth, who was only elected as an MP in 2015 and put the Hussey’s case to the Government in a Westminster Hall debate in January. Her tireless work also saw several meetings with the Road Minister Andrew Jones.
The effort by the Hussey family, the local community and Ms Smyth has now seen guidance from the Driver and Vehicle Safety Agency (DVSA) being re-written to heighten awareness of trailer roadworthiness. Alongside this there will also be an awareness campaign will run through the summer and A new video is being developed by DVSA demonstrating how to carry out safety checks on trailers.
It is clear without the campaigning of Karin Smyth that these changes would not have been made. Her influence along with the work by the Hussey family has brought positive change through much tighter regulations.
Accepting her award, Karin Smyth, MP for Bristol South, said: “This award is a tribute to the relentless campaigning of Freddie’s Hussey family, and to the local community which has supported them through incredibly difficult times. Together we have been resolute in our wish that some good should come of Freddie’s tragic death.
“My aim was, and remains, bringing the family’s experiences to the attention of government and I am pleased that Brake has acknowledged my work in Parliament in this way. We are making good progress in bringing about change that can help improve safety on our roads. This is vital work, since we can be in no doubt that there are more accidents waiting to happen if the right changes aren’t made.”
Leave a Reply