Scotland applies the Safe System

10 April 2016

Strategic Road Safety Plan 2016 (Scotland): Transport Scotland (DOP: 3/16)

The Strategic Road Safety Plan sets out how Transport Scotland delivers road safety on the trunk road network. The first Strategic Road Safety Plan was published in 2007 and supported delivery of the Road Safety Framework. The current framework has reached the mid-point of its 10 year period and has been reviewed in its own right. Transport Scotland has therefore taken the opportunity to update the Road Safety Plan and refocus its work on further reducing the numbers of accidents and casualties on the Trunk Road network.

The refreshed plan reinforces the use of a “Safe System” approach within the road transport system. This approach is centred around the premise that death and injury is unacceptable and that both are avoidable.

The framework takes an approach that aims to reduce risk from the system and sets intermediate road safety targets for casualty reduction in 2015 and 2020, to help move systematically towards Vision Zero. The review has identified that the Safe System approach should be formally adopted in progressing towards 2020 targets.

A key Scottish Government priority is to protect all our children and young people, and ensure they get the best possible start in life. They hope to do so by moving towards a Vision Zero aim, and embodying a “Safe System” approach to policy throughout the population.

The Review Report and Strategic Plan to 2020 was published in March 2016 and sets out an approach to ensure continued delivery of road safety outcomes towards 2020 casualty reduction targets and beyond. Partner high level activity during 2016/17 in support of Road Safety Framework outcomes will be subject to regular monitoring and review by the Strategic Partnership Board.