Road deaths fall to record low
The number of deaths on Britain’s roads last year was the lowest since records began in 1926.
In 2004, 3,221 people died on Britain’s roads – a fall of 287 or eight per cent on 2003 despite a two per cent increase in road traffic.
There was also a three per cent drop in the number of children killed or seriously injured and a four per cent drop in the number of pedestrian casualties on the previous year.
But the figures also revealed an 18 per cent rise in the number of pedal cyclists killed.
Road Safety Minister Stephen Ladyman described the figures released today as “very encouraging”.
“However, one year’s figures should not make anyone feel complacent,” he added. “Nearly nine people a day still died in road accidents last year and that figure is still too high.”
In 2000, the Government set targets for reducing road casualties by 2010. These included a 40 per cent reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured compared with the average for 1994-98; and a 50 per cent reduction in the number of children killed or seriously injured.
Today’s statistics show the Government is well on its way to achieving these targets, with the 2004 figures showing a 28 per cent fall in the number of people killed or injured compared to the average for 1994 – 98; while the number of children killed or seriously injured was 43 per cent lower that the average for 1994 – 98.
But figures published separately by the Welsh Assembly revealed a 16 per cent rise in deaths on Welsh roads.
Welsh Liberal Democrat transport spokesman Kirsty Williams said: “These statistics are, frankly, horrifying. Much more must be done to improve safety on our roads and stop this tragic and unnecessary loss of life. Lower speed limits, better enforcement and tougher penalties should all be seriously considered by Government.”
The Government is currently seeking to tighten up the road safety legislation through the Road Safety Bill.
This includes provisions to increase the penalties for various safety-related road traffic offences and to provide a more flexible system of fixed penalties to match the severity of the offence.
