The UK government has announced an additional allocation of £38.3 million for enhancing road safety across England. This funding aims to address safety concerns on 17 of the nation’s most high-risk roads, adding to the previously invested £147.5 million used for improvements on 82 other high-risk roads.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper emphasized the commitment to maintaining and improving road safety, stating, “Britain’s roads are some of the safest in the world, but we are always looking at ways to help keep drivers and all road users safe.” He highlighted that the investment is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance roads throughout the country, aiming to support local councils in making roads safer, reducing congestion, and stimulating economic growth.
The investment is projected to significantly reduce fatal and serious injuries on these roads over the next 20 years, with potential reductions of up to 30.8% on some roads. Planned improvements include the design of new junctions and roundabouts, enhancements to signage and road markings, updates to road surfacing and landscape management, and the introduction of better pedestrian crossings and cycle lanes.
Jonathan Walker, Head of Cities and Infrastructure Policy at Logistics UK, expressed support for the initiative: “The logistics industry is committed to improving safety and so we are pleased to see that the government is investing in addressing issues with some of the country’s most dangerous routes.” Walker also emphasized the importance of swift and effective delivery of these improvements, suggesting that they should be designed and implemented in consultation with road users to ensure optimal results.
