Road Safety

Ten Actions in the SMP replicate actions set out in the Phase 1 Action Plan 2021-2024 of the Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 (RSS). The RSS Phase 1 Action Plan will be closed out over the remaining period of 2024, along with the relevant SMP Actions. In instances where further activity is required on these actions, they may be carried through to the Phase 2 Action Plan.

In tandem with consideration of the remaining actions in the Phase 1 Action Plan of the RSS, Phase 2 of the Action Plan is currently under development and stakeholder engagement has commenced. A new Road User Safety Forum, comprising road users and road safety advocates, is in the process of being established, with the objective of advising the RSA on the emerging Phase 2 Action Plan between now and early 2025.

Of the actions set out in the Phase 1 Action Plan and duplicated in the SMP, SMP Actions 7, 63, 64 and 91 are complete, and SMP Action 5 (expanding speed management measures) remains on schedule for delivery at the end of 2024. SMP Action 62 and Action 67 concern the delivery of road safety improvement schemes and training each year and therefore are classified as ‘ongoing’ actions.

Formal adoption of the Road Safety Strategy Phase 2 Action Plan is expected in Q1 2025.

Figure from page 22

The three remaining Actions – 6, 65 and 66 – are delayed. A scoping exercise to consider the steps required to deliver SMP Action 6 is now complete, but this action will involve a comprehensive review of all road traffic legislation, and can happen only in the context of consolidation of the related Acts. Similarly, new secondary legislation is required to undertake a pilot project to examine the feasibility of introducing a ‘cyclist turning left on red’ provision as set out in Action 66. With regard to Action 65 ‘Review and make recommendations on facilitating cyclists and pedestrians at junctions, including measures that do not require powered traffic signals’, progressing this action was dependent on the completion of the National Cycle Network and the outcome of the Speed Limits Review. Given the progress made on these actions, the next step involves the development of a report which will consider overall progress, identify where further progress is required and develop an implementation plan.