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Overview

As stated in our manifesto, A transport network fit for all our futures, CIHT believes that everyone should have the ability to travel safely. Mobility should not be associated with the unacceptable risk of death and serious injury. 

Reductions in the number of people killed and seriously injured on UK roads has been slowing. CIHT’s new Policy and Technical report investigates how the Safe System can help reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on roads.

This report focusses on the challenges of implementing safe speeds and safe roads – two of the elements of the Safe System – in the UK. It highlights recommended actions for the UK Government that, if implemented, we believe will help reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on UK roads.

What you can find in the report

• An overview of what the Safe System is and why it is important 
• Key barriers and challenges to implementation
• A matrix identifying indicative activities that can be undertaken to support the implementation of the Safe System, with reference to the key barriers/challenges and responsibilities.
• Recommendations for immediate action from the UK Government

Key Takeaways

1. Safe System Implementation: The UK needs to align its road transport system with the Safe System, which aims to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries by addressing their underlying causes through systematic and proactive measures.
2. Barriers to Progress: Some of the barriers to implementing the Safe System in the UK identified in the report include political challenges, local variations, design and standards issues.
3. Leadership and Coordination: The report calls for strong leadership and coordination at both national and local levels. It recommends that the UK Government's new road safety framework embraces Safe System principles and establishes a road safety board to oversee implementation.
4. Legislative and Regulatory Actions: The report suggests aligning national speed limits with survivable speeds, adopting the General Safety Regulations, and ensuring that vehicle technologies like Intelligent Speed Assistance are emphasised and integrated.
5. Research and Monitoring: The report highlights the need for knowledge development, with the establishment of a national road safety investigation branch to investigate collisions throughout the UK.

How this report has been developed

This report was developed with the support of the CIHT Partnership Network, The CIHT Technical champions and experts in the sector. 

A special thank you to: 

• Project Chair: Dr Suzy Charman, Executive Director, Road Safety Foundation 
• LSTSB Representative: Kate Carpenter FCIHT FSoRSA, Director of Operational Road Safety at Jacobs Engineering  

Insight has been gained through a series of research and engagement activities, including workshops and consultations with key sector stakeholders. 

Progressing the UK towards Safe System implementation news

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1 Dec 2023

DfT publishes estimates of drink-drive collisions and casualties for the year 2022

26 Jul 2024

Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (New Drivers) Bill progresses to second reading

9 May 2024

There is a need for greater consistency with speed management

28 Feb 2024

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Your Voice @ CIHT

If you would like to contribute your knowledge or experiences on road safety and Safe Systems then please email the CIHT Policy and Technical team at technical@ciht.org.uk .