The UK's decision to leave the EU must not have an adverse impact on road safety across the country, Brake has warned.

Outlined by the road safety charity, a number of important controls for UK traffic and transport management are tied to EU and European Commission legislation. The group has therefore argued it is imperative that the government ensures a smooth transition to a new regulatory framework.

Key areas of relevance to this include the General Safety Regulation EC 661/2009 on vehicle standards concerning the general safety of motor vehicles, as well as Pedestrian Safety Regulation EC 78/2009 and Regulation (EC) 561/2006 and Directive 2002/15/EC.

This final article of legislation is particularly important for the UK haulage and logistics sector, as it governs acceptable driver hours, minimum rest periods and other issues of safety for the sector.

Gary Rae, director of communications and campaigns for Brake, said: "It's vital that as we begin the process of separation from the EU, road safety and work on sustainable transport solutions is not compromised.

"Thousands of lives have been saved by improved transport regulations. Life outside the EU must not be seen as a move backwards when it comes to safety and sustainability. That will be down to the UK government to ensure that our own standards meet, and indeed, exceed, current European standards."

Mr Rae concluded that the process of Brexit will be long and hard, but it must not impede the ability of UK drivers and road users to travel safely.