| Synopsis: |
In 2011, 1,901 people were killed in road accidents. This is the first annual increase in road fatalities since 2003 and a 3% increase compared to 2010. 25,023 people were killed or seriously injured, an increase of 2% from 2010 and the first annual increase since 1994. In 2011, 3,085 cyclists were killed or seriously injured. Given these figures, the Government must provide stronger leadership on road safety and use the planned update for the Strategic Framework for Road Safety in September 2012 to reassess its road safety strategy. More attention should be given to engineering improvements in road design and technology. Any proposal to increase the motorway speed limit should follow approval from the House of Commons.The MPs also call for the Department for Transport to: explain in its annual report whether road safety is improving each year in line with its forecasts; highlight best practice by local authorities; provide an update of the initial findings of the Governments Learning to Drive programme; carry out an independent review of driver training to reduce the casualty rate for young drivers; consider encouraging HGV's to fit sensors to improve cycle safety; look at cycling infrastructure, with the Department responding to the 8 points of The Times cycle campaign; report on motor cycle training; highlight best practice and innovative working methods in providing 20 mph zones; include engineering measures in the Department's outcome measures; report on new advertising campaigns for road safety, particularly on engaging with social media. |