The Transport Select Committee has published their second report on Road Safety today (18 June).

The report, which examines the Government’s Strategic Framework for Road Safety, highlights the Government’s need to step-up and provide stronger leadership on road safety following recent increase in road fatalities.

CIHT supports the Transport Select Committee and their concern for the rise in road fatalities.

John Smart, CIHT’s Director of Professional and Business Development said, “CIHT is concerned that the loss of skilled road safety professionals in both public and private sectors has contributed to the reduced focus on safety, despite continued high public concern.”

This reduction in a professional workforce will also limit the scope to address this unexpected increase in accidents which historically fall during recession.

CIHT calls on government to show leadership in highway management, to ensure that casualty prevention remains a high priority in all authorities. Fear of accidents is deterring people from walking and cycling, when the benefits include health, cost saving, journey time and reduced environmental impact.

The Committee urges the Government to utilise the opportunity presented by a planned update for the Strategic Framework for Road Safety in September 2012 to reassess its road safety strategy.  More attention should be given to engineering improvements in road design and technology and the Government should account for recent increases in the number of road fatalities.  Any proposal to increase the motorway speed limit should follow approval from MPs in the House of Commons.

“We are very concerned that 2011 saw the first increase in road fatalities since 2003, with 1901 people killed on the roads.  It is shocking that road accidents are the main cause of death amongst young adults aged 16-24 and that so many cyclists continue to be killed or injured.  In 2010 there were 283 fatalities amongst car occupants aged 16-25.  27% of young men aged 17-19 are involved in a road collision within the first year of passing their test.  If the government is not willing to set targets, it should show more leadership.  Action is required to improve road safety for young drivers, including an independent review of driver training.  We welcome the attention cycling has received but there is much more to do.”

For more information and to view  the Transport Committee’s report please click here.