Economy and Infrastructure Secretary said:
“The next decade will likely see record Welsh Government
investment in our roads – alongside much needed
improvements to our cycleways, footpaths, railways and
airports.
“In investing in a network fit for modern Wales, we’ve been
very clear that safety has to remain paramount, a principle
which is reflected in our ambitious target to reduce those
killed or seriously injured by 40% by 2020.
“Working in partnership with local authorities, the UK
Government, emergency services and road safety
organisations we have made excellent progress towards this
target, with our roads now amongst the safest in the world.
Every death on our roads is one too many, however, and I am
very clear that we must continue to look at how we can
improve things further.
“It’s for this reason that we’ve continued to invest
millions of pounds through the Road Safety Revenue grant,
the Roads Safety Capital Grant and supporting safety
cameras through Go Safe, amongst others. It’s
disappointing, and a source of much frustration, therefore
that one potential game changer for road safety
improvements, graduated driver licencing, is still not
being considered by UK Government.
“It’s my belief that this is the single biggest measure we
could now see to significantly improve road safety on our
roads and I’d again call on the UK Government to reassess
their position and act to help ensure inexperienced
drivers, and those who share the road with them, are as
well protected as possible.”
The Road Safety in Wales event brings decision makers across
Wales together to review and update the Welsh Government’s
road safety framework. This framework informs how partners in
Wales work together to ensure Welsh roads are as safe as
possible, setting out targets and the actions being taken to
achieve them.
