Ministerial statement on road casualty statistics published today

Transport Minister Derek Mackay said:

“The increase in fatalities and the number of people seriously injured in road accidents in 2014 is disappointing. However it also demonstrates the need for every one of us to take responsibility when using the road network. The longer term downward trends and the annual decline in the total number of casualties, to the lowest level since records began, are encouraging but more can, and must, be done.

“At the Road Safety Framework Strategic Partnership Board Meeting earlier this month I launched a review of our progress in delivering the Road Safety Framework to 2020. Transport Scotland are working together with road safety partners to assess the progress that has been made to date, with the aim of redoubling our efforts and focus through to 2020 and beyond. Fatalities in 2014 were down 31 per cent from an average of 292 for 2004-08.

“Some of the more recent interventions such as the landmark change in Scotland’s drink-drive legislation - which has seen us leading the way in the United Kingdom - will undoubtedly help prevent the tragic and unnecessary loss of lives on our roads. Other innovations such as the A9 average speed camera programme are already delivering benefits, and significant investment is improving safety for cyclists. We are also encouraging Councils to cut speed in towns and cities through our revised 20mph limit guidance. I am confident that these developments will have a positive impact going forward.”