LEADING UK motor industry and transport organisations are backing a new global network aimed at lifting road safety standards in developing countries.

Launched to coincide with World Health Day, which was devoted to road safety, the network aims to raise political and public awareness and allow Third World nations to have easier access to expertise on safety-related issues.

A spokesman said: 'By working together in partnership, members of the network will be able to assist the developing nations, where the threat of death and injury on the roads is at its greatest.

'Our first move is to encourage road safety programmes and we're developing a web-based database to support this.'

Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher backed World Health Day when he attended the launch of the European Road Safety Charter in Dublin.

More than 30 organisations were invited to sign the European Road Safety Charter.

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