UK drivers want safer roads, even if they are slower
The vast majority (87%) of drivers in the United Kingdom would accept a journey delay if it meant that roads were safer, with safety ranking ahead of speed as the top public concern for transport.
This is according to a new study published by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and More in Common, which found that there is significant public support for a ‘Vision Zero’ strategy towards road deaths and injuries.
According to the data, 56% of Brits support a national target of eliminating road deaths and serious injuries by 2040. Those surveyed also broadly supported interventions such as better crossings, safer school streets, and reduced speed limits.
Support for improving road safety even at the cost of speed is prevalent across the supporters of all political parties, including the Conservatives and Reform. The study also found support for improving road safety was higher in London, which has an extensive network of 20mph roads and other safety measures.
Those surveyed were more frustrated with failures in public transport than with potholes. The poor availability of buses ranked highly on people’s list of annoyances, as well as the poor reliability of public transport in general.
“People want the government to take the lead on making our roads safer. They’re ready for bold action to stop deaths and serious injuries, and they’re willing to make trade-offs to get there,” said Stephen Frost, head of transport policy at IPPR.
“This is a real opportunity for ministers to match public ambition with delivery. We can cut road deaths, boost public confidence, and improve everyday journeys – but only if government listens to what people are actually asking for.”
More in Common associate Chris Annous said this research demonstrates that Britons take a practical, not political, approach to their views on transport.
“Focused on their concerns over their everyday journeys and local communities, rather than their political outlooks, Britons of all stripes are more supportive of bold and substantive policies to improve road safety than many in Westminster give them credit for,” Annous said.
