Merseyside PCC welcomes new national Road Safety Strategy
12.01.26 - Merseyside
The Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, on behalf of the Merseyside Road Safety Partnership is welcoming the publication of the government’s new national Road Safety Strategy.
The strategy sets out a renewed national commitment to reducing deaths and serious injuries on the UK’s roads, and the Partnership will adopt the national framework while continuing to develop a targeted local approach for Merseyside’s communities.
The government has outlined ambitious aims, including a 65% reduction in deaths and serious injuries by 2035, rising to 70% for children under 16.
Key developments announced include:
• The creation of a Road Safety Board to oversee delivery of the strategy
• A new Road Safety Investigation Branch to analyse collision patterns and guide evidence based interventions
• A Work Related Road Safety Charter Pilot to support employers in managing road risk for those who drive or ride for work
These measures represent important steps in strengthening national and local road safety delivery, and the Partnership fully supports their introduction.
Merseyside Road Safety Partnership remains committed to the long term ambition of Vision Zero – ensuring that no one is killed or seriously injured on our roads.
The government has also announced new consultations on:
• A minimum learning period for new drivers
• Reducing the current drink drive limit
• Mandatory eyesight testing for drivers aged over 70
These proposals reflect a continued focus on improving driver competence, tackling high risk behaviours, and protecting vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists and child pedestrians.
Merseyside Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: "The Government’s new Road Safety Strategy marks a bold and long-overdue commitment to tackling the causes of collisions and protecting the most vulnerable.
“With its ambitious target to cut deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035, this strategy will help save countless lives, not just here in Merseyside, but across the country, with measures to improve driver competence, tackle drink and drug driving, and strengthen enforcement will make our roads safer places for all.
“Working with our partners, this strategy reinforces our commitment ensuring Merseyside leads the way in delivering Vision Zero; because nobody should die or suffer serious harm simply because they travel on our roads.”