Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster is backing calls to transform roads and to make streets safer across the West Midlands.
According to latest figures, around 55 people are killed on roads across the West Midlands every year, whilst about 1,000 people suffer serious – and often life-changing – injuries. The consequences for the victims and their families are catastrophic and devastating.
PCC Simon Foster, and chair of the West Midlands Road Safety Strategic Group, said: “We continue to see an alarming number of serious collisions, as a result of careless and reckless driving – and recent tragedies in the West Midlands, have shattered the lives of so many.
“Preventing, tackling and reducing crime and anti-social behaviour and the number of people tragically and avoidably killed and seriously injured on our roads is a top priority.
“I am holding West Midlands Police to account, to take robust action against irresponsible and thoughtless road users, who endanger the lives of other people, as a consequence of their careless or reckless driving.
“Action I am taking includes, supporting increased enforcement by average speed cameras; police operations to prevent dangerous, drink and drug driving; investing in mobile speed camera vans; speed guns for community speed watch; and improved third party dash cam reporting. Keeping people safe on our roads is a top priority.”
Last year, the refreshed Regional Road Safety Strategy 2023-2030 was drawn up in consultation with a range of partners, including local authorities and the emergency services and agreed by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board.
The partners, who form the West Midlands Road Safety Partnership, set out the long-term ambition to reach a point where nobody is killed or seriously injured on the region’s roads – known as ‘Vision Zero’.
On the road to this is an interim target, that has been set to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured by 50% by 2030. The partnership has committed to work together and take collective responsibility, for achieving this important target using an approach combining street design, enforcement and education.
In addition to that, Birmingham City Council has developed the Birmingham Road Harm Reduction Strategy to transform city roads and streets to make them safer, more inclusive and more attractive.
The Birmingham Road Harm Reduction Strategy public consultation, asking residents about their biggest safety issues and concerns, is now live and will run until April 5, 2024. To take part in the Birmingham Road Harm Reduction Strategy consultation, click here
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