Green Party calls for urgent action to reverse increase in road deaths

28 September 2017

The Green Party has called for urgent action to protect “vulnerable road users” after government statistics revealed an increase in road deaths in 2016 [1].

They also described the claim by the government that the 62 additional deaths last year was “statistically insignificant” as “morally repugnant” and “an insult to families of those who have lost their lives.”

The latest statistics from the Department for Transport show overall road deaths up 4% on 2015. Pedestrian deaths were up 10%, cyclist deaths 2%. Overall 25,893 people were killed or seriously injured on roads in England and Wales last year.

Caroline Russell, Green Party Transport Spokesperson and member of the London Assembly called on the government to act immediately to reverse the trends.

Russell said:

“As if it wasn’t enough that last year 25,893 people lost their lives or suffered serious injuries on our roads, the government has rubbed salt into the wounds by calling the rise in deaths ‘statistically insignificant’. This is insulting and shows an extraordinary lack of empathy for the people killed and injured and their families. 

"The Government's gung-ho approach to road safety has seen them build new roads without repairing old ones, failing to invest enough in walking, cycling or public transport and cutting roads policing budgets.

“Urgent action is needed to turn this around and protect people from the trauma of road death and serious injury. This means lowering speed limits, investing in roads policing and innovative projects like the West Midlands "close pass" policing approach that is simple, affordable and effective at reducing danger. 

"If the government was serious about reducing road danger, they would make streets in our cities, towns and villages inclusive, safe and convenient for people of all ages and those with disabilities to get to school, work or the shops in safety."

Notes:

1. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/648081/rrcgb2016-01.pdf

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