Caitlin Taylor, RoSPA’s Road Safety Manager, summarises RoSPA’s formal response to the Department for Transport's consultation on the Integrated National Transport Strategy.

The Department for Transport is developing a strategy which will set the high-level direction for how transport should be designed, built and operated in England over the next 10 years.

It aims to “set out a single national vision which will put people who use transport and their needs at its heart and empower local leaders to deliver integrated transport solutions that meet the needs of their local communities.”

Key aspects of our response

Joined-up transport network

We believe that a more integrated approach to the transport network is essential. A key part of this is the need for a National Road Safety Strategy for England. Unlike Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, which have established national road safety strategies, England currently lacks a unified framework.

We believe that introducing a national strategy would allow for a more coordinated approach to road safety, ensuring policies, infrastructure, and enforcement measures are aligned across the country. This would lead to reduced accidents, better outcomes for road users, and more collaboration between national and local governments and other stakeholders.

In addition, we strongly advocate for integrating road safety education across all user groups. It is vital to foster mutual understanding among drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists to promote safe behaviours. By encouraging cooperation between these groups, we can reduce risks and improve overall road safety, benefiting everyone on the roads.

Data-driven improvements

We also recognise the immense potential of data to improve the safety and efficiency of the transport network. By using accident data, real-time traffic updates, and predictive analytics, we can make informed decisions that improve infrastructure and safety. We support the creation of a government Road Safety Investigation Branch to gather independent, comprehensive data on fatal and serious incidents. This would help us better understand the causes of collisions and enable targeted interventions to prevent future incidents.

Additionally, we believe that sharing data between local authorities will enhance collaboration and provide a clearer understanding of regional safety trends. This approach will allow for more effective measures to address specific issues, such as improving pedestrian safety or closing infrastructure gaps.

Technology and innovation

We recognise that technology has the potential to greatly improve road safety, but it must be integrated thoughtfully to ensure it reduces risk rather than introducing new hazards. We support the incorporation of advanced vehicle safety features, such as autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and collision detection, which can mitigate the impact of human error. Furthermore, we advocate for smart infrastructure, such as dynamic traffic lights and real-time traffic monitoring, which can help reduce congestion and improve safety.

However, we also highlight the importance of ensuring that new technologies do not create additional risks. We also stress the importance of educating drivers on the safe use of in-car technology to prevent distractions and overreliance on systems that are not foolproof.

Improving decision-making in transport

We believe that decisions regarding the transport network must be evidence-led, driven by data and comprehensive analysis. By collecting and analysing accident data, we can identify patterns and areas in need of improvement, ensuring that policies and interventions target the most pressing issues.

Additionally, we recommend the development of a National Transport Strategy, which should outline clear, long-term goals for improving safety, reducing congestion, and promoting sustainability across the transport network.

The decision-making process must be inclusive, engaging local authorities, transport operators, and the wider public. By incorporating diverse perspectives, we can ensure that transport solutions meet the needs of all road users. We also believe in the importance of establishing independent oversight bodies, such as a Road Safety Investigation Branch, to ensure that road safety policies are effective and continually refined based on real-world data.

Public health and sustainability

We stress the importance of aligning transport policies with broader public health and environmental goals. Promoting active travel, such as walking and cycling, should be a priority alongside improving road safety. By making the transport network safer for vulnerable road users, we can create a more inclusive and healthier environment for all. Moreover, sustainability must be a key consideration, with policies designed to reduce emissions, promote the use of electric vehicles, and improve public transport options.

Our call to action

Our National Accident Prevention Strategy highlights a troubling stagnation in the UK’s road safety progress over the past decade, despite its rich legacy of pioneering safety measures and transformative policies. Landmark achievements, including driver registration, seatbelt laws, drink-driving limits, and significant advancements in vehicle technology, have contributed to an impressive 93% reduction in road fatality rates since their peak in 1966. However, since 2012, the decline in fatalities has slowed considerably, with only a 9% reduction in the past decade compared to a 47% drop in the decade prior. This alarming plateau has left the country grappling with a devastating toll of 1,624 deaths and 132,977 injuries annually—an unacceptable reality that demands immediate action.

We urge the Government to take bold and decisive measures to improve road safety and address the rising number of preventable fatalities and serious injuries. These measures must include the introduction of progressive licensing for young drivers, ensuring they gain experience in a structured and safer manner. Reducing the legal drink-driving limit is essential to bringing the UK in line with global best practices, while improving vehicle safety standards and regulating new technologies can provide further safeguards. Public awareness campaigns must also play a central role in tackling dangerous behaviours, such as speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, all of which contribute to unnecessary loss of life.

Education and public awareness are equally critical in ensuring that safe driving practices become deeply ingrained across all communities. Comprehensive road safety campaigns must target not only drivers but also cyclists and pedestrians, fostering a culture of shared responsibility and commitment to safer roads.

Ultimately, every life lost on our roads is a preventable tragedy, and the time to act is now. The National Accident Prevention Strategy provides a clear and evidence-based path forward. By prioritising road safety and embracing policies that ensure a safer, more sustainable, and inclusive transport network, the UK can save lives and create a future where safety, efficiency, and sustainability benefit every individual and the wider community.
 
Read the full consultation response here.
 

Caitlin Taylor is RoSPA’s Road Safety Manager for England.