THE POLICE and Crime Commissioner has set out plans to reduce deaths on the roads across Thames Valley.
Matthew Barber is looking to strengthen collaboration between multiple agencies who manage road networks across the region in the new Road Safety Strategy.
Among the key priorities outlined are enhanced enforcement of traffic laws, data sharing among relevant parties to identify collision hotspots, and further education about road safety, traffic law, and driving practises.
It will also see better support for emergency response services and victim support.
The PCC is also calling on partners in the police, highways authorities, National Highways, emergency services, and other relevant agencies to establish a Thames Valley Strategic Road Safety Partnership to oversee the implementation of the plans.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has said that the strategy is taking what it calls a Safe Systems Approach to road safety, knitting together safe behaviour from drivers, safer vehicles, safer roads, and a rapid post-collision response.
Matthew Barber said: “The average number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads in Thames Valley has decreased in the three years since 2020 but we need stronger partnership working, with a focus on our faster, high harm routes, if we are to see further reductions in casualties.
“My Road Safety Strategy outlines the collaboration needed to create a safer road network and save lives. Whether that be enhancing the enforcement capability of the police, designing safer roads or improving the emergency service response when incidents do occur, the police, local authorities, National Highways and the other emergency services all have a role to play in reducing fatalities and enhancing overall traffic safety.”
Superintendent Mark Lewis, Head of the Roads Policing Unit at Thames Valley Police and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, said:
“We are proud to support the launch of this Road Safety Strategy, aimed at enhancing the safety of our road network in collaboration with our partners.
“While we welcome the recent decrease in serious injuries and fatalities on our roads, we are deeply aware that every road death is a devastating loss, with lasting impacts on families and communities.
“Drivers who choose to operate their vehicles in dangerous, intimidating, or illegal ways will be met by our officers, working in close partnership with other agencies to ensure a safer road network for all.”
