Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) is calling on the region’s residents to help make the region’s roads safer by taking part in a public consultation on its updated Regional Road Safety Action Plan.

Building on the Refreshed Regional Road Safety Strategy, launched last year, the action plan is designed set out how we can create a safer environment for all road users based on the Vision Zero principle that no deaths or serious injuries on our roads are acceptable.

While the plan is being developed, TfWM has been working with police, local councils and other partners to take action to improve safety – this includes increasing use of dashcam footage as part of a crackdown on dangerous driving which has led to action being taken against hundreds of motorists . Further initiatives have seen police step up enforcement activity at key junctions and hotspots.

The action plan, open for public consultation until 10th May, will focus on five key areas:

• Safe speeds: Tackling excessive speed through targeted enforcement and infrastructure changes.
• Safe vehicles: Promoting safer vehicles and aiming to remove dangerous ones from the road.
• Safe roads and roadsides: Designing safer roads and prioritising vulnerable users like motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
• Safe road use: Encouraging responsible driving and tackling dangerous behaviours.
• Post-crash care: Ensuring swift emergency response and comprehensive support for victims of road traffic crashes.

Following the consultation TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), will, working with local authorities, emergency services, community groups and other partners, finalise the action plan for adoption later this year. It also lines up with the region’s Local Transport Plan and Refreshed Regional Road Safety Strategy 2023-2030.

Actions currently in the pipeline include the enhancement of average speed camera enforcement across the region, with a further focus on increasing the use of speed awareness courses to educate motorists.

And new AI systems are being integrated with existing sensors to identify potential collisions and dangerous driving behaviour. This, combined with the upgraded third-party reporting system, will help the West Midlands Police to take stronger action against traffic violations.

Over the last three years, the Regional Road Safety Partnership explains it has:

• Reduced vehicle speeds at targeted enforcement locations aimed at minimising the severity of incidents and injuries,
• Established and implemented a model for consistent enforcement of moving traffic contraventions impacting on safety, air quality and congestion management,
• Undertaken road assessment studies at over 140km of the region’s road network to inform highway safety measures,
• Delivered a campaign to businesses focussed on better driving for commercial vehicle use.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said: “We saw 57 lives lost on our roads in 2022, a harrowing figure that demonstrates the immediate need for change. 

“No death on our roads is acceptable so it’s important we get the Road Safety Action Plan right including the use of the safe system approach. 

“Safety needs to be implemented before journeys even begin – think safer cycle routes, more enforcement, and improved junctions. Safer roads mean less strain on our frontline staff, a cleaner environment, and happier, healthier communities. This action plan will be the blueprint for tackling reckless driving and reducing harm on our roads.”

Each year statistics show around 950 people suffer from serious, sometimes life-changing injuries, because of road collisions in the region. New data suggests males aged 20-29 are at higher risk of death or serious injury with excessive speed being the biggest factor contributing to these collisions.

Adam Tranter, the Mayor’s cycling and walking commissioner, said: “It is shocking that statistics show 60% of those killed or seriously injured on our roads are pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. By launching the public consultation for the 2024-2030 Road Safety Action Plan, we can focus on protecting our most vulnerable road users.

“The action plan is incredibly important because it will detail how we are going to make our roads safer. In order to get to Vision Zero, we’re going to need to use every single tool at our disposal and work closely together as partners. This plan is about saving lives. We owe it to our families, friends, and neighbours to create a safer road network for everyone.”

TfWM says road safety is also integral to the design and development of transport infrastructure, and that the region’s CRSTS settlement provides an advantage to the region to redevelop its transport infrastructure at scale, improving road safety in the process.

TfWM points to spending of millions of pounds in safe cycle routes – such as the Binley Cycleway in Coventry and the A4123 in the Black Country.

Simon Foster, Police and Crime Commissioner and chair of the Road Safety Strategic Group said: “Preventing, tackling and reducing crime and anti-social behaviour and the number of people tragically and avoidably killed and seriously injured on our roads is a top priority, because of the catastrophic consequences for victims and families.

“The Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2030 needs to reflect the collaborative action that we all need to take, if we are to create a safe and secure road network, that delivers on our collective aim to halve the number of road deaths and serious injuries by 2030. That is why, I am encouraging everyone to contribute to the consultation.

“Action I am taking, together with West Midlands Police includes, supporting increased enforcement by average speed cameras; police operations to prevent dangerous, drink and drug driving; investing in mobile speed camera vans; speed guns for community speed watch; and improved third party dash cam reporting.

“Our commitment to a safe and secure road network must be absolute, unconditional and non-negotiable.”

Cllr Mike Bird, WMCA portfolio holder for transport and leader of Walsall Council added: “I recognise the significant role that road safety plays in shaping the future of our transport systems and in improving the health and wellbeing of residents across the region.

“By taking safety considerations into the very fabric of our transport planning, we aim to create an environment where all road users, from pedestrians to cyclists and motorists, can travel with greater confidence and security.”

Residents can share their experiences, concerns, and suggested solutions through an online survey or by post to 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD.

(Picture – WMCA)