In the early 1970s, BL developed several safety research vehicles. Run in conjunction with the Transport and Road Research Laboratory, the SRVs were based on models such as Marina, Mini, 1800 and 1300.

SRV5 introduced a "pedestrian catcher" to reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians. It featured a revised and lowered softer bumper, together with a safety retaining bar system.

The lower bumper hits the lower part of the leg of the pedestrian which then topples over the car bonnet, thereby triggering the release of a safety bar to prevent the pedestrian from falling to the ground and being run over.