The public is showing a strong appetite for action ahead of the government’s long-awaited Road Safety Strategy.

A poll by The Road Safety Trust found strong public support for new measures to improve road safety.

It comes after a sustained period in which the government refused to set targets for road safety in the UK, a decision many people believe has contributed to the plateauing of achievement in reducing road casualties.

 Standing strong

The majority of Britons support stricter road safety measures expected to feature in the Government’s forthcoming Road Safety Strategy, according to new research released by The Road Safety Trust.

Unveiled last week at the annual UKROEd/NPCC Roads Policing Conference, the findings reveal widespread public backing for key policies designed to cut deaths and serious injuries on UK roads, as well as a growing desire to see stronger protection for young drivers.

The polling, conducted by research organisation More in Common for The Road Safety Trust, shows that Britons overwhelmingly view road safety as a national priority.

A total of 86% of respondents said it was an important issue, with strong agreement across all age groups and political backgrounds.

In the mix

Among the proposed policies likely to be included in the upcoming strategy, several received strikingly high levels of support.

Four in five (82%) back mandatory eyesight tests for drivers over the age of 70, while 72% support a graduated licensing system for new drivers, a phased approach that allows them to gain experience under lower-risk conditions.

Other potential measures also enjoyed majority approval:

  • 71% of respondents favour lowering the legal drink-drive limit
  • 68% support more demanding car safety standards
  • 64% endorse adopting a “Vision Zero” target – the ambition of eliminating all deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads.

The findings come as the Government prepares to publish its first comprehensive Road Safety Strategy in a generation, expected later this year.

The strategy is anticipated to set out a long-term framework for tackling road danger, aligning with international commitments to halve road deaths and serious injuries by 2030.

Time for change

Paul Steinberg, Director of Communications and Engagement at The Road Safety Trust, said the research sends a clear message that the public is ready for decisive action.

“This research shows that the British public have confidence in evidence-based measures to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads – and want to see them implemented,” Mr Steinberg said.

“For years, we’ve understood from experience and evaluation what works to make roads safer. What is new today is clear, nationwide evidence that the public supports those same measures. More in Common’s findings come at an important moment, as the Government prepares to publish its long-awaited National Road Safety Strategy. They show a willing public and a clear opportunity for action.”

Youth are the future

The survey also revealed particular concern about young driver safety.

Nearly half (48%) of Britons believe too little is being done to protect young drivers, a figure that rises to 58% among parents with children aged 16 and over.

Alex Newton, Deputy Director of Strategy and Development at More in Common, said the results highlight an unusual level of unity across the political spectrum.

“We’re used to working on issues that divide public opinion. Road safety stands out as an issue where there’s a strong level of consensus,” Newton said. “While support for certain policies varies by age, Britons across generations and voter groups want stronger action to make our roads safer and hold high expectations of the government on this issue.”

With public backing now clear, campaigners say the government faces a critical opportunity to deliver a bold, evidence-led Road Safety Strategy that matches Britain’s ambitions, and its public’s expectations, for safer roads.