Set targets to reduce road toll

A NEW report shows that Britain has more pedestrian deaths per head of population than other leading countries.

The report from PACTS (the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety) shows that, while Britain compares favourably with other countries for all road deaths, pedestrian deaths are significantly higher.

It’s incredibly depressing to read that deaths among pedestrians are noticeably greater in Britain. Streets are where we live, work, play and socialise – they should be safe and enjoyable places for everyone.

We would like to see targets for reducing road casualties reintroduced. Such targets operated under successive governments from 1987-2010 and proved effective, helping focus the work of policy makers and practitioners.

Road danger has far reaching public health consequences as it discourages people from being active. Inactivity currently costs the NHS in England and Wales more than £0.9bn a year and NHS Scotland £94m a year.

Investment from the Government to make our streets fit for walking will reduce these costs in the long term by helping us create a walking nation, free from congested roads and pollution, reducing the risk of preventable illness and social isolation. Tompion Platt, Head of Policy, Living Streets London