Matthew Barber, Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, said: ‘The average number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads in Thames Valley has decreased in the three years since 2020 but we need stronger partnership working, with a focus on our faster, high harm routes, if we are to see further reductions in casualties.’
‘My Road Safety Strategy outlines the collaboration needed to create a safer road network and save lives. Whether that be enhancing the enforcement capability of the police, designing safer roads or improving the emergency service response when incidents do occur, the police, local authorities, National Highways and the other emergency services all have a role to play in reducing fatalities and enhancing overall traffic safety.’
Key priorities outlined in the Road Safety Strategy, launched in October, include; educating the public about safe driving practices and traffic laws, enforcing traffic laws to deter unsafe behaviour, sharing data to identify collision hotspots and inform improvements to the road network, improving road infrastructure, supporting a swift emergency response to incidents and providing better support for victims.
The Safe System Approach emphasises best practice in road safety. In the Safe System, the five pillars of the road environment work together, as one, to minimise risk.
Extract from five pillars
1. Safe behaviour
The Fatal Four remain the biggest risks on our roads so enforcement and education must continue to focus on distraction (particularly mobile phone use); tackling drink and drug driving; excess speed; and the use of seatbelts.
2. Safe vehicles
The police will continue to enforce standards of road worthiness on cars and motorcycles. Efforts should continue to ensure that cyclists ride with appropriate safety equipment such as lights, focusing on education and enforcement.
3. Safe roads
Whilst the safe design of new roads is vital, engineering solutions may be the most effective way of dealing with current collision hotspots. Partners should work together to prioritise investment in areas that will save lives; whilst ensuring well maintained roads will improve safety for all road users.
4. Safe speeds
The PCC will look to enhance the CSW initiative, empowering and educating the public, informing policing activity and ultimately reducing speeding within communities.
5. Post collision response
Thames Valley Police will seek to bring justice to those who recklessly and dangerously risk the lives of others on our roads. Communicating this enforcement action and outcomes at court will help to ensure public confidence.
Full strategy document attached.