New road safety strategy aims to cut serious collisions on Exeter roads

The Government has launched its first national Road Safety Strategy in more than a decade, setting out plans that could have a direct impact on road safety in Exeter and across Devon.

The strategy aims to cut the number of people killed or seriously injured on Britain’s roads by 65 per cent by 2035, compared with levels recorded between 2022 and 2024. 

A separate target seeks a 70 per cent reduction in deaths and serious injuries involving children over the same period.

Road safety remains a significant concern for Exeter residents. Collision data from Devon and Cornwall Police shows that parts of the city continue to record high numbers of incidents, with Fore Street among the locations with the most recorded collisions in recent years. 

Major routes serving the city, including sections of the A30, A38 and Topsham Road, have also seen repeated incidents, particularly during peak travel times.

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Across Devon and Cornwall, dozens of people are killed on the roads each year, with hundreds more seriously injured. 

While overall fatalities have remained relatively stable in recent figures, serious injuries continue to place pressure on emergency services and have lasting consequences for individuals and families.

In Exeter, recent months have seen several collisions leading to road closures and disruption on the M5 near the city, as well as crashes on busy urban roads where residents have raised concerns about speeding, congestion and pedestrian safety. 

Speed enforcement data has also shown thousands of offences recorded on some Exeter routes over the past year, highlighting ongoing challenges around driver behaviour.

The new Road Safety Strategy outlines a wide-ranging approach to reducing harm on the roads, including tougher action on drink and drug driving, proposals to improve driver training, investment in safer road design and the introduction of new safety technologies in vehicles. 

It also includes plans to establish a national Road Safety Investigation Branch to analyse serious collisions and help prevent future incidents.

Steve Race, MP for Exeter, said road safety issues are frequently raised by constituents and that crashes and near misses regularly feature in local conversations. 

“I hear all too often from constituents who have witnessed accidents or near misses on our roads, and crashes are regularly top of the headlines in our local news,” he said.

He welcomed the publication of the strategy, describing it as a long-awaited step forward. 

“I’m proud to welcome the Government’s new Road Safety Strategy. The first of its kind in over a decade, this is a landmark step that reflects the concerns of Exeter residents,” he said. 

“These reforms will save lives, protect vulnerable road users, and ensure the high standards of safety that we should all be able to expect.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander added to this by saying that “every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that devastates families and communities.”

“For too long, progress on road safety has stalled. This strategy marks a turning point.”

“We are taking decisive action to make our roads safer for everyone, from new drivers taking their first lessons to older motorists wanting to maintain their independence.”

“The measures we are announcing today will save thousands of lives over the coming decade.”

The strategy will be delivered in partnership with local authorities, police forces and industry, meaning Devon County Council and Devon and Cornwall Police are expected to play a key role in how national priorities are implemented locally.