Road safety sector publishes consensus statement following Road Safety Strategy Summit
Leaders from across the road safety sector have today published a new consensus statement setting out shared priorities for delivering the Government’s Road Safety Strategy (RSS) and achieving a step change in road casualty reduction across the country.
The statement follows the Road Safety Strategy Summit funded by The Road Safety Trust and delivered by The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) on 24 February 2026, which brought together policymakers, practitioners, researchers and campaigners from across the sector.
Building on the collective ambition first set out in PACTS’ Road Safety Manifesto published in May 2024, the statement recognises the Government’s Road Safety Strategy as a significant foundation and a genuine opportunity to reinvigorate the sector and build further on the momentum achieved so far, as we make progress towards the vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads.
Those present at the summit welcomed and endorsed the Government’s commitment to reduce those killed or seriously injured (KSI) on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035, alongside the ambition to reduce child KSIs by 70%. However, the statement makes clear that achieving these goals will require accountable, evidence-led delivery, supported by clear leadership, cross-government coordination and sustained investment.
Among the priority areas identified in the statement are:
- Strong governance, accountability and delivery structures to drive progress toward the 2035 targets
- Integration of road safety across government, policing and safer communities’ priorities
- Rapid development of the proposed Road Safety Investigation Branch, with timely access to data and a long-term path to full independence
- A Safe System approach to speed management and infrastructure design, ensuring roads operate at speeds aligned with survivability
- Use of leading safety indicators, improved data linkage and stronger evidence systems to guide decision-making
- Support for future reforms including more effective deterrence for repeat offenders, and independent evidence oversight
- Positive public communication that frames road safety as improving lives, communities, health and economic wellbeing
The statement also notes that while the Road Safety Strategy contains a strong programme of measures, many will take time to implement. Immediate progress will depend on strengthening and accelerating existing initiatives, alongside establishing robust systems for monitoring delivery.
The organisations involved said the statement demonstrates the sector’s readiness to work constructively with Government and partners to turn strategy into measurable results.
Paul Steinberg, Deputy Chief Executive of the Road Safety Trust, said:
“This consensus statement has been developed by a sector that is aligned, constructive and ready to support the delivery of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy.
“Following the Summit, there is clear agreement on the importance of strong leadership, robust evidence and a Safe System approach to drive progress.
“The statement has been shared with Government by PACTS. At the Trust, we stand ready to work in partnership with ministers and stakeholders to translate ambition into measurable reductions in deaths and serious injuries on our roads.”
Jamie Hassall, Executive Director of PACTS, said:
“When we have strong leadership, a strategic approach, and suitable funding the UK has demonstrated that it can quickly reduce numbers of deaths and serious injuries on the road.
“The new Road Safety Strategy provides a new opportunity not seen since before 2010 and we must all work together to make the most of the current opportunity. Investing in road safety is not just a moral duty – it’s good for peoples’ health and wellbeing, the environment, business, and the country as well.”
About the consensus statement
The statement was developed following the Road Safety Strategy Summit held in London on 24 February 2026 and reflects areas of broad agreement identified through facilitated discussions involving leaders from across the road safety sector who were present at the event. It is not intended to replace individual organisational consultation responses to Government.
