Following a recent study that found widespread public support for improving road safety, the government has been called on to tighten speed limits and reduce the danger posed by SUVs and other vehicles.
Research published by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and More in Common found significant public support for a ‘Vision Zero’ strategy for road deaths and injuries, which would aim to eliminate road deaths entirely by 2040.
The findings of the survey showed overwhelming support for improving road safety, even at the cost of speed or convenience for drivers, that spans all political positions.
The IPPR said this data shows the government has the public backing to deliver a road safety strategy that targets zero road deaths and serious injuries, with 56% supporting this goal and only 13% opposed. Progressive voters and London residents are particularly supportive of this aim.
The organisation goes on to suggest key recommendations for national transport policy which the government could implement to align with the public views expressed in the survey.
Recommended local interventions, which the study said all receive public support, include:
- Convening citizens’ juries on issues such as reducing road danger, changing motoring taxation, and more.
- Enforcing school streets and pedestrianising town centres.
- Targeting SUVs for higher parking charges and enforcing clean air zones.
- Reducing speed limits in residential areas and making penalties harsher.
It added that this local focus must also be joined by a country-wide discussion on fuel duty and motoring taxation to improve road safety.
“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,” the IPPR said.
“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.”
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