Ministerial statement following publication of Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2019

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said:

“These figures confirm what we knew in July – that yet again, overall road casualties on Scotland’s roads remain at their lowest levels since records began. Sadly, it remains the case that from this lower total number of casualties, more people have died on Scotland’s roads compared to last year. Whilst we are on track to exceed our reduction target for fatal collisions, this offers no comfort to the friends and family of those who have tragically lost their lives.

“In September, we began consulting on an ambitious Road Safety Framework for the next decade. It sets out a compelling long-term vision for road safety, Vision Zero, where there are zero fatalities and injuries on Scotland’s roads by 2050. We’re also including ambitious interim targets where the number of people being killed or seriously injured on our roads will be halved by 2030.

“The development of the next framework does not mean we pause from taking decisive action to improve road safety. Earlier this year we identified new sites that will benefit from safety camera enforcement. Our investment of £675,000 will improve speed limit compliance, encourage better driver behaviour and reduce the numbers of people killed or seriously injured across the road network.

“We have committed through the Programme for Government to spend over £500 million over five years to help deliver accessible protected infrastructure for walking, wheeling and cycling across Scotland. In addition, this budget has and will continue to support innovative campaigns including Operation Close Pass, in addition to various Road Safety Scotland campaigns – to help change behaviours and better safeguard vulnerable road users in our communities."