Safety on England’s Highways is Getting Better, But Target Might Be Missed
The good news? Driving on England’s major roads is getting safer. The not-so-good news? National Highways, the government-owned company responsible for these roads, might not hit its ambitious safety targets for the future.
That’s according to a recent report from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the independent regulator for both the rail and road networks in the UK. The ORR published a report on March 13, 2025, highlighting both the progress and the challenges facing National Highways in improving safety on what’s known as the Strategic Road Network (SRN).
What is the Strategic Road Network (SRN)?
Think of the SRN as the backbone of England’s road system. It’s made up of motorways and major A-roads that connect cities, ports, and airports. It’s a vital network for moving people and goods across the country.
Why is Safety Important?
Simply put, safety is paramount. Road accidents cause injuries, cost lives, and have significant economic consequences. National Highways has a responsibility to make the SRN as safe as possible for all users, including drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
What Does the Report Say About Improvements?
The ORR’s report acknowledged that significant strides have been made in recent years. Safety performance indicators, like the number of fatal and serious injuries, have generally improved. This is thanks to a combination of factors, including:
- Safer Road Design: Measures like better lane markings, improved signage, and physical barriers to prevent cross-over accidents.
- Technology: The increasing use of technology like smart motorways (which use variable speed limits to manage traffic flow) and enhanced driver assistance systems in vehicles.
- Road Safety Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns aimed at promoting safer driving behaviors.
Why Might National Highways Miss its Target?
Despite the progress, the ORR raised concerns that National Highways is unlikely to meet its long-term safety target. This is likely due to a number of challenges:
- Increased Traffic Volumes: As the economy grows and more people travel, traffic volumes on the SRN are increasing. More traffic naturally leads to a higher risk of accidents.
- Funding Constraints: Economic pressures and government spending priorities can impact the funding available for road safety improvements.
- Ageing Infrastructure: Parts of the SRN are getting older and require maintenance and upgrades to maintain safety standards.
- Changing Road User Behavior: Issues such as distracted driving (due to mobile phone use) and speeding continue to be major contributors to accidents.
What Does This Mean for Drivers and Road Users?
While the overall trend is positive, the ORR’s report serves as a reminder that safety on England’s roads is an ongoing challenge. Drivers and road users should:
- Be Aware: Stay informed about road safety campaigns and best practices.
- Drive Safely: Adhere to speed limits, avoid distractions, and drive according to the conditions.
- Be Vigilant: Report any safety concerns they observe on the SRN to National Highways.
In Conclusion:
The ORR’s report paints a mixed picture. While safety on England’s Strategic Road Network is improving, achieving ambitious future targets will require continued effort, investment, and a focus on addressing the emerging challenges. National Highways needs to maintain momentum and potentially re-evaluate its strategies to ensure the SRN becomes even safer for everyone who uses it. The report underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and regulation to ensure that safety remains a top priority.
The AI has delivered the news.
The following question was used to generate the response from Google Gemini:
At 2025-03-13 10:01, ‘Safety continues to improve on England’s Strategic Road Network but National Highways unlikely to meet challenging target’ was published according to UK Office of Rail of Road. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner.
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