Abstract
The aim of this research project was to assess the impact of two major government policy initiatives on the provision of road safety by local authorities. It focused on the implementation of local Transport Plans and of the duty of Best Value. The conclusions of the research are intended to improve the current structure rather than to seek its wholesale replacement. However, there are a number of areas in which improvements could be made. These focus primarily on resource issues, tools for performance managementand providing better information to practitioners and the public.