Transport Minister comments on reported road casualties statistics

“The publication today confirms what we know from statistics provided in June 2017. It’s disappointing that there has been an increase in the number of fatalities and the number of people seriously injured on our roads in 2016.”

“From last year, we can see that overall casualties fell by one per cent between 2015 and 2016 from 10,973 to 10,901, the lowest number since records began, and there are clear longer term downward trends we should acknowledge. There are 35% reductions in both fatal and serious injuries compared to the 2004-2008 baseline figures. We remain on track to deliver the objectives set out in Scotland’s Road Safety Framework to 2020.

“The Police Scotland quarterly figures for 2017, while still subject to revision, show that in the first six months of 2017. 64 people were killed on Scotland’s roads, whereas in the first 6 months of 2016, 95 fatalities were recorded. That said, one death on Scotland’s roads is one too many and all partners remain entirely committed to securing our challenging and ambitious casualty reduction targets. I recently chaired a meeting of the Road Safety Strategic Partnership Board, which brings together key road safety partners and I am encouraged by the work that is being done.

“The average speed camera system on the A9 continues to demonstrate a radical improvement in driver behaviour. I am satisfied that the A90 average speed camera system will be just as successful in improving road safety on the road. I can confirm that the system will go live on 31 October, in line with the previous timescales provided by Transport Scotland.

“The Scottish Government has taken decisive action by lowering the drink-drive limit in 2014. Road Safety Scotland continues to work with partners to deliver effective learning resources targeted at the most vulnerable road users. Additionally, we continue to progress the Seatbelts on School Transport (Scotland) Bill through the Scottish Parliament to help keep our children safe on school journeys.

“Through continued education, enforcement and engineering, we are well placed to progress in the right direction towards our targets, making Scotland’s roads safer for everyone."

The full statistical publication is available on the Transport Scotland website: http://bit.ly/2hi2pou