Improvement in Britain’s road safety has stagnated, with the
number of people killed and seriously injured on Britain’s roads
increasing marginally from 2016 - 2017, according to Government
statistics published today [1].
Figures from the Department for Transport show that 1,793 people
were killed in collisions last year, the highest annual
total since 2011 but with just one additional road death on 2016.
A total of 24,831 people were seriously injured last year - a
rise of three per cent (from 24,101 in 2016), which has been
attributed by the Government at least in part due to changes in
the way many police forces now report collision data [1].
The figures also reveal that motorcyclists now make up 19% of all
road deaths in Britain, up 9% on 2016 to 349 deaths, and
pedestrian fatalities increased by 5% to 470.
Commenting, Joshua Harris, director of campaigns for
Brake, said:
“Today’s figures highlight the shocking lack of progress
on road safety improvement in Britain. This stagnation must be
arrested and yet the Government sits on its hands and rejects the
introduction of policies which are proven to save lives - for the
individuals, families and whole communities devastated by road
crashes, this is simply not good enough.”
“Our most vulnerable road users, pedestrians, cyclists and
motorcyclists, remain at dangerously high risk on our roads,
paying the price for the dominance of the motor car in our lives.
Pedestrian deaths increased to their highest level this decade
whilst motorcyclists now account for nearly a fifth of all road
deaths, despite their small numbers. The Government must invest
in active travel to give people safe and healthy ways to get
around and focus on improving the safety of our roads – starting
with lower speed limits.”
“Our laws are only as strong as their enforcement and roads
policing is fundamental to improving UK road safety. Shockingly,
the number of traffic officers fell 24% from 2012-2017 and the
stagnation in road safety performance shadows this trend. We urge
the Government to make roads policing a national investment
priority, with a visible police presence catching and deterring
illegal driving and cameras preventing the scourge of speeding.”
“Casualty reduction targets are a proven catalyst for road safety
improvement and yet, since 2010, the UK Government has rejected
this approach. With the UK’s deterioration in road safety showing
no signs of abating, we urge the introduction of national road
casualty reduction targets as a priority. The Government must
have its feet held to the fire on road safety.”
[ENDS]
Notes to editors:
[1] Reported road
casualties in Great Britain: 2017 annual report. Department for
Transport
[2] Lack of traffic police
undermines safe driving efforts, RAC Foundation, 1 August
2017
