Act Before You REact
Tyre Safety months runs from 1-31 October with charity TyreSafe is encouraging road users across the UK to Act Before…
Read more
Zero road deaths by 2040, even if it means slower journeys, say majority of people
New research from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and More in Common finds strong public backing for a bold national road safety target – and a willingness to make real changes to achieve it.
The findings highlight that safety is a top public concern, ranking ahead of speed or convenience, and second only to cost as a factor in people’s daily journeys. The public supports a broad ‘safe system’ approach to road danger and road safety management, including better crossings, safer school streets, and reduced speed limits.
- 56 per cent of the public supports a national target to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries by 2040
- 87 per cent of daily drivers would accept a journey delay if it made roads safer
- IPPR calls for a national ‘Vision Zero’ strategy, backed by investment in local transport and a comprehensive ‘safe system’ approach
Transport has a key role to play in achieving the UK government’s missions and improving lives.
New research from IPPR and More in Common reveals that the government has the public’s backing in delivering meaningful transport improvements if the approach and timing is right. Our polling and focus groups finds that transport may not be the issue people are thinking about at the ballot box, but it can provide the tangible proof that change is possible and lay the foundations for improved public trust in decision makers.
Adopting the safe system and setting a target to achieve zero road deaths and serious injuries. The UK government should follow the leadership shown in parts of the UK in setting a vision zero target, with a clear immediate focus on creating safer streets for children to move around and play. This should sit as part of an holistic public health strategy for transport that addresses the sector’s role in achieving the government’s goal of shifting the UK’s approach to health towards prevention – road danger reduction, reducing air pollution and supporting physical activity all require similar policy responses, particularly in urban areas.
