CIHT note with some concern the reported Road Casualties in Great Britain report for Q2 (2014).

Figures released show a 3% increase in road deaths and the 4% increase in KSIs.  CIHT understand that motor traffic levels rose by 1.7%, however the increase in casualty rates is not matched by the increased take up. We acknowledge that any increase following the recession could reflect the increased activity, and possibly warmer weather in Q2 2014 and therefore more use of more active travel modes for example, cycling to work. Nevertheless, progress after 2010 to reduce road casualties slowed dramatically and the increased casualty figures released by the Department for Transport only serves to highlight and further emphasise the continuing problem.

The 10% increase in Cycling KSIs is particularly worrying, it is difficult to say with any certainty what the actual causes are without more detailed analysis over time and it is unclear whether it is urban or rural roads that are particularly affected.  There is no data provided on levels of cycle use or walking so it is difficult to draw any analysis of the changes being a result in the increase amount of cycling and walking. CIHT is concerned that the public perception that cycling is dangerous could result in a suppression in the number of new cyclists, resulting in less active travel and an increase in illnesses due to lack of physical activity.

These figures emphasise the need for design and network management to be evidence-based, and for the introduction of more safety schemes, which have a high proven cost-effectiveness.  There is also a requirement for local authorities to continue (or re-start) analysis of data and identification of their local problems, however the removal of casualty targets and the decrease in resources available to local authorities to spend on road safety continue to have a negative impact.