Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport has updated Parliament on plans aimed at enhancing road safety performance in Scotland.
Fiona Hyslop says the Road Safety Framework to 2030 sets out a vision for Scotland to have the best road safety performance in the world by 2030 and a long-term goal where no one is seriously injured or killed on the country’s roads by 2050.
In response to interim figures in 2023 showing an increase in road casualties in Scotland, the Scottish Government has allocated £36m for road safety investment in the 2024/25 financial year. Latest figures in 2024 show that fatal casualties are tracking 26% above the same period last year. In response to this, a package of measures has been announced:
- A range of national driver behaviour change campaigns, including those targeted at speeding and seat belt use.
- Advancing the use of technology capable of detecting those driving whilst using handheld devices and those not wearing a seat belt.
- Over £4m to support the delivery of projects aimed at reducing pedestrian and cyclist casualties.
- A £10m Road Safety Improvement Fund to support local authorities reduce casualty and risk on the local road network.
In addition to this, the roll out of a training and education programme, including the development of the world’s first safe system manual for road safety practitioners, was announced together with plans to launch a consultation to gather views on possible changes to national speed limits on Scotland’s roads.
Ms Hyslop said: “We must never lose sight of the fact that one death on our roads is one too many. As always, my first thoughts are with the families and friends who have tragically lost a loved one, and those whose lives are changed forever.
“Road safety is a priority for the Scottish Government and its partners and we remain absolutely committed to working together to reach our ambitious goals. However, despite our best efforts, I am aware of the challenges we face in meeting casualty reduction targets for 2024 and that the number of fatal casualties for 2024 is tracking 26% above the same period last year.
“That is why a record £36m is being invested this financial year to deliver a wide range of initiatives aimed at improving driver behaviour and ultimately reducing the number of casualties on our roads. This includes campaigns to encourage a change in behaviours regarding speeding and seat belt use, funding to help local authorities enhance road safety performance on local roads and advancing the use of technology to tackle issues around driver distraction.
“We will also roll out training around the Safe System approach to road safety for our key operational partners and stakeholders, as well as carry out a public consultation to explore views on potential changes to national speed limits on Scotland’s roads.
“I want to restate the Scottish Government’s unwavering commitment to achieving its goal of making Scotland’s roads amongst the safest in the world by 2030. This comprehensive package of measures over the coming financial year is aimed at helping to deliver this.”
(Picture – Transport Scotland)
