Road Peace, the national charity supporting victims of road crashes and campaigning for safer streets for more than three decades, has closed down.

It cites sustained funding pressures and rising operational costs.

Making a noise

The organisation, founded by bereaved families and injured survivors, has been a leading voice for those affected by what it describes as “road violence”.

Its work included offering emotional support, legal advocacy and campaigning for tougher road safety laws. 

The closing down of Road Peace is set to leave a significant gap in specialist support services, campaigners and victims’ groups have warned.

In a statement, the charity said it had faced “an increasingly challenging financial environment”, with grant funding becoming more competitive and donations failing to keep pace with demand.

Despite efforts to secure new funding streams and reduce costs, trustees concluded that continuing operations was no longer viable.

“This has been an incredibly painful decision,” the statement said. “Road Peace exists because families and victims need long-term, specialist support and a strong voice in the justice system. We are proud of what we have achieved, but we can no longer guarantee the stability and quality of service that those we support deserve.”

Kindness and conversations

Road Peace has worked with thousands of families affected by fatal and serious collisions, helping them navigate police investigations, court proceedings and inquests.

It has also been influential in national debates on sentencing for dangerous driving, drink- and drug-driving laws, and the recognition of road deaths as a public health issue.

The driver training industry was a keen supporter of the charity, which was often hosted at events, with many running fundraising drives for the road safety and victim support work they took on.

Former beneficiaries described the charity as “lifesaving” and “irreplaceable”.

Sarah Mitchell, whose son was killed by a speeding driver in 2014, said Road Peace had been the only organisation that understood what her family was going through.

“They stood with us when no one else did,” she said. “Knowing that future families may not have that support is devastating.”

A hole in the road

Road safety experts said the closure reflected a broader crisis in the voluntary sector.

“Specialist charities like Road Peace are often small, underfunded and expected to do enormous amounts of emotional and policy work,” said Dr Alan Reeves, a transport policy researcher. “When they disappear, the loss is felt not just by individuals but by the entire road safety ecosystem.”

The charity said it is working to wind down responsibly, providing information about alternative sources of support and sharing resources with partner organisations.

Its helpline and advocacy services will continue for a limited period while cases are transferred where possible.

Campaigners have renewed calls for government intervention to ensure long-term funding for victim support related to road crime.

Road Peace’s trustees said they hope the closure will prompt wider reflection.

“Road deaths and serious injuries are not accidents; they are preventable,” the statement said. “Victims deserve recognition, justice and support. Our hope is that others will carry this work forward.”

Road Peace formally ceased operations on 9th January, bringing to an end a chapter in the UK’s road safety movement that many say changed the conversation around road harm forever.