Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2030 under review

The Scottish Government is consulting on a Road Safety Framework for the next decade, as outlined in the Programme for Government. The journey to achieving Vision Zero will include interim targets where the number of people being killed or seriously injured on Scottish roads will be halved by 2030 and at zero by 2050. 

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson, launched the consultation whilst also announcing a £675,000 funding allocation to support 24 newly identified safety camera sites. The work aims to improve road safety by encouraging improved driver behaviour and speed limit compliance at key areas.

“Our Road Safety Framework to 2020 has supported a reduction in the numbers of people killed or seriously injured in Scotland’s roads. It’s remarkable that even with a 27 per cent rise in traffic since 1995, we’ve seen a 61 per cent decrease in road collisions across the same period,” Matheson said.

“Even though we are on track to meet the 2020 target for reductions in the number of people killed on our roads – this brings no consolation to the family and friends who have been left completely devastated by the death of loved ones on our roads. We must do more – and the positive improvements we’ve made stem from a collective belief by all road safety partners in Scotland that road deaths are not an inevitability. We believe that they are preventable. Our ambition for Vision Zero by 2050 is achievable and I believe can be made a reality by fully embedding the Safe System approach to road safety.

“Our framework will put people at its centre, and will provide a more forgiving road system that takes human vulnerability and fallibility into account. It intends to recognise that people are fragile and make mistakes that can lead to collisions but it should result in no death or serious injury. It also focuses on supporting our National Transport Strategy and net-zero aspirations in allowing people to make informed choices to travelling in a safe, active and sustainable way. We all have a collective responsibility to look out for each other on our roads – so have your say through our consultation and let’s deliver a framework that will save lives across the next decade.”

Keith Irving, Chief Executive of Cycling Scotland, commented: “Major progress has been made reducing road casualties over the past decade. Key initiatives such as the average speed cameras on the A9, which were introduced despite opposition, have resulted in fewer casualties in vehicles. It’s clear that more action is needed, especially to tackle the rise in serious injuries among people cycling. More dedicated bike lanes, separated from traffic is the top priority to improve cycling safety. 

“Operation Close Pass has been a recent and welcome step to improve safe driving around people cycling. More enforcement of road laws is essential to improve safety for vulnerable road users in particular, and achieve Vision Zero.

“Improving the evidence about cycling casualties, including the reporting of serious injuries, is also key to prevention. The new Road Safety Framework to 2030 is a welcome opportunity to ensure a robust, evidence-based approach to cut casualties on our roads.”

The consultation closes on 1 December 2020.