• Almost half (45%) struggle with the lack of accurate and quality data, and 39% face challenges due to the absence of proven methodologies or processes

Sixty-three percent of councils and authorities cite a lack of funding as a major barrier to effective road safety planning and measurement. That’s according to a survey of 200 managers in government and local authorities by VivaCity, which sheds light on the critical issues affecting the planning and implementation of road safety initiatives.

Respondents were also asked about some of the key challenges that local authorities are facing, with more than a third (36%) of local authorities relying on out-of-date KSI (Killed or Seriously Injured) data to assess the success of road safety schemes.

When it comes to existing data used to assess the success of road safety schemes and infrastructure, 45% of respondents reported a lack of accurate and quality data. Similarly, 39% also pointed to the absence of proven methodologies or processes as a barrier to effective road safety planning.

Prioritising road safety

When asked which road users they prioritise when it comes to road safety – ranking motor vehicles, buses, cyclists, pedestrians and e-scooters from ‘most important’ to ‘least important’ – a mere 6% of local authorities consider cyclists as the most important road users.

On top of this, e-scooters were selected as ‘least important’ the most, with over half (51%) of respondents rating them their last choice when it comes to prioritising road safety.  On the other hand, the results revealed that pedestrians are a top priority for local authorities and councils, with over half (55%) prioritising them over other transport modes.

“These findings highlight critical gaps in road safety prioritisation and resource allocation,” said Mark Nicholson, CEO at VivaCity. “Focusing on the safety of all types of vulnerable road users including cyclists and pedestrians is key to boosting active travel. There is an urgent need for local authorities to re evaluate their existing data to ensure that they have access to accurate analysis on the success of road safety schemes so that we can create safer and more sustainable towns and cities.”