Vision Zero South West Welcomes Government’s Upcoming Road Safety Strategy

New national rules which could transform road safety have been welcomed by the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership following a visit to Westminster.

The Government is expected to announce its first National Road Safety Strategy in more than a decade this Autumn, according to The Times.

What’s Likely to Change?

It is believed the strategy will include:

• Mandatory eye tests and health checks for older drivers

• Lowering the drink-drive limit

• Tougher penalties for those caught not wearing seatbelts

These measures were among recommendations made at a Vision Zero South West showcase event at Portcullis House in November 2024.

The partnership, chaired by Police & Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly Alison Hernandez, presented its ‘Road To Zero’ proposals to MPs and delegates at the Westminster event.

📷Commissioner Hernandez with emergency service partners at a Vision Zero South West road safety event

Road to Zero Recommendations

The Road To Zero proposals, built around the Safe System framework, also included calls for:

• Prioritised investment for safer roads, including repairs to potholes

• Instant roadside bans for drink and drug-driving

• Clearer legislation for E-Scooters and E-Bikes

• Mandatory Intelligent Speed Assistance technology in all new UK vehicles

• Embedding road safety in the school curriculum

All Vision Zero South West members have pledged to halve the number of people killed or seriously injured on the region’s roads by 2030.

Reaction from the Partnership

Alison Hernandez said:

“It’s really positive to hear noises which suggest the Government are taking road safety seriously.

“We believe our partnership approach to road safety in Devon & Cornwall is a good example of how these issues need to be tackled holistically from all angles – and we are starting to see positive results.

“However, there’s only so much a partnership like ours can achieve without national support from the Government in key areas.

“As such, I welcome the renewed emphasis on road safety and eagerly anticipate more details when they are revealed in Autumn.”

Last year, 56 people lost their lives and 622 were seriously injured on Devon and Cornwall’s roads.

Alison added:

“We must never forget that these aren’t just numbers. These are lives turned upside down by unimaginable tragedy and trauma.

“To remind us why our work is so important – and to pay tribute to those involved – every Vision Zero South West board meeting starts with the reading of a list of names of those who have lost their lives since we last met. This is followed by a minute’s silence in their memory.

“I use that time to remind myself of the families I’ve met who were devastated by their loss and knowing that these recent deaths will have created more families affected in this way. It spurs us on to consider, at pace, what they want us to be doing.”

Looking Ahead

Natalie Warr, Partnership Manager for Vision Zero South West, also welcomed the news:

“I am delighted to hear that the long-awaited national Road Safety Strategy is due to be published by the Government in Autumn.

“Hopefully this will include national casualty reduction targets and performance indicators, along with increased levels of funding to achieve the step change needed to prevent the heartache and pain caused by road traffic collisions.”

The Government’s National Road Safety Strategy is expected to be published later this year.

📷Commissioner Alison Hernandez with the Vision Zero South West Road Safety Pledge