Commenting on figures released this morning by the Department for Transport showing road casualties for the first quarter of 2012, Robert Gifford, Executive Director of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, said “Overall, there has been little change in the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads over the year April 2011 to March 2012. This should be of concern to the government, especially in the light of the recent Transport Committee report calling for stronger leadership in this area.
“Of particular concern is the continuing rise in deaths and serious injuries among vulnerable road users. Comparing 2011 with 2012, KSI pedestrians have risen by 8%, cyclists by 13% and motorcyclists by 8%. Overall casualties for cyclists have risen in 10 of the last 13 quarters. This should be of great concern if we are to see more people cycling as a result of the Olympics effect. We need more people cycling more safely, not more at risk.
“Achieving improvements in road safety is the responsibility of all road users and of those who plan and design the system. We should not allow the continuing improvements in car occupant casualties to lead us to overlook improving the safety of the most vulnerable.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact Robert Gifford: 020 7222 7732 (work)
Note to editors: The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) is a registered charity and associate Parliamentary group. Its charitable objective is: To protect human life through the promotion of transport safety for the public benefit.
Clutha House
10 Storey’s Gate
London SW1P 3AY
