Yesterday marked a significant moment for the highways and transport sector with the launch of the UK Government’s new Road Safety Strategy. This is a substantial and long-awaited piece of work, developed in response to years of collaboration, consultation and growing urgency around preventing serious injury and loss of life on our roads.
As a member-led organisation representing local authorities, industry and the wider supply chain, LCRIG welcomes the publication of the strategy and the clear commitment it sets out to save lives and reduce serious harm.
At its core, the strategy recognises that road safety is a shared responsibility. It brings together enforcement, education, vehicle standards, infrastructure and technology, while placing a renewed focus on evidence, data and innovation.
Why this matters
The scale of the challenge remains stark. With an average of four lives lost on Britain’s roads every day, every death or serious injury on the road has a devastating impact on families, communities and the professionals working tirelessly to prevent them. The strategy sets out GB-wide targets to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured by 65% by 2035, and by 70% for children under the age of 16.
The strategy places strong emphasis on:
- Safer drivers, including proposals for a minimum learning period for learner drivers and targeted action on high-risk behaviours.
- Safer vehicles, with consultation on mandating advanced safety technologies through GB type approval.
- Safer roads, supported by better use of data and predictive tools to target investment where it will have the greatest impact.
- Fair and effective enforcement, including proposed changes to penalties for motoring offences and consultation on eyesight testing for older drivers.
Commenting on the publication of the strategy, Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said:
“Our vision with this ambitious road safety strategy is clear: to ensure that people can travel safely on our roads however they choose.
“One of the hardest parts of my job is speaking to families who have lost loved ones on our roads and this is something we as a government are taking action to prevent. No family should have to endure that loss, and this strategy sets out how we will work to ensure fewer do.
“Experts and campaigners have long called for a comprehensive strategy that treats road safety as a shared responsibility – from car manufacturers and town planners to drivers and legislators.
“This strategy, the first in over a decade, shows a government that is not just listening, but leading and together, we can build a safer future for all road users.”
What this means for LCRIG members
For LCRIG members, the strategy reinforces the critical role local authorities and industry partners play in delivery. Many of the measures outlined rely on collaboration across the sector, from data sharing and asset management through to deployment of new technologies and skills development.
Innovation is a recurring theme throughout the strategy, particularly around the use of data, automation and predictive insight. This is an area where LCRIG continues to support its members by sharing best practice, facilitating collaboration and creating opportunities to explore emerging solutions together.
Kerry Winstanley, Managing Director at LCRIG, commented:
“This strategy is a hugely important step forward and one many across our membership have been waiting for. We welcome the clear focus on prevention, data and technology, and the recognition that improving road safety depends on strong collaboration between local authorities, industry and central government. LCRIG will continue to support its members as these ambitions move into delivery.”
Looking ahead: AI, prediction and prevention
The timing of the strategy aligns closely with LCRIG’s own programme of activity. Later this month, LCRIG will host an LCRIG-led webinar exploring the future of road safety through AI-powered prediction and prevention. The session, now open for registration, will examine how emerging technologies can help identify risk earlier, target interventions more effectively and support safer outcomes across the network.
This session is delivered in partnership with TRL, sponsor of the upcoming edition of LCRIG’s AI Mini-Guide: AI in Road Safety. The guide will also be released later this month and will be available exclusively to LCRIG members, supporting practical understanding of how AI can be applied responsibly and effectively within highways and transport.
Together, the new Road Safety Strategy, the webinar and the AI Mini-Guide reflect a growing focus on practical, evidence-led approaches to improving road safety.
Register for the webinar
Click here to register for the LCRIG-led webinar on AI-powered prediction and prevention in road safety, delivered in partnership with TRL.
Not yet a member? Find out how joining LCRIG can give you access to exclusive guidance, events and insight by learning more about membership here.
(Image – Centre for Better Ageing)