£13 Million Boost to Road Safety: New Report Shows What’s Changing on UK Roads

A new report released today (Wednesday 25th March) reveals how more than £13 million in funding has helped shape road safety policy across the UK over the past decade.

The study, published to mark the tenth anniversary of The Road Safety Trust, highlights how research backed by the charity is now influencing national decisions, including new Government strategy aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries on the roads.

Why it matters

In 2024 alone, 29,467 people were killed or seriously injured on UK roads, showing the scale of the challenge.

For areas like Cornwall, where rural roads, tourism traffic and motorbike use are common, the findings are especially relevant.

Research shaping real-world change

The independent report, carried out by transport consultancy Systra, found that the Trust has funded more than 120 projects covering everything from road design and vehicle safety to police enforcement and emergency response.

Many of these projects are already being used in practice, with 17 producing ready-to-use systems and guidance for frontline organisations.

Among the key findings:

• 53 out of 74 completed projects showed clear evidence of improving road safety
• 98% of funded organisations said their work would not have gone ahead without support
• The Trust often funds areas other organisations overlook

Changes already happening

Several projects backed by the Trust are now being rolled out more widely across the UK:

• Motorcycle safety markings (Project PRIME)
  New road markings designed to help riders safely navigate bends are being expanded, with Government backing for further trials
• Dash cam footage in policing (Operation Snap)
  Research has helped create a more consistent national approach to using public-submitted footage to tackle dangerous driving
• Faster emergency response (EXIT Project)
  New guidance shows that getting people out of vehicles more quickly after a collision can improve outcomes
• Better crash data (Data Sustains Life)
  By linking medical records with collision data, authorities can now identify hidden risks and target prevention more effectively

A long-term goal

Ruth Purdie OBE, Chief Executive of The Road Safety Trust, said the aim remains clear:

“Our vision is zero deaths and serious injuries on UK roads. Over the past decade, our funding has helped identify critical evidence gaps and provided practical tools to prevent harm and save lives.”

She added that the work will continue, with new funding planned to support research into drug driving, motorised riding, and safer vehicles.

What happens next

The Trust is set to open its next round of funding shortly after Easter, with £750,000 available for new projects.