Sources of road safety funding, including those from government consolidated revenues, tied or dedicated funds from fuel taxes, vehicle registration fees, vehicle inspection charges, driver licenses, vehicle insurance, personal accident injury insurance, and other charges such as those on the transport of road freight are discussed. The contribution of non-governmental organisations, other government departments and private industry, through funding commercially driven policies and services, and the generation of public support is also considered. A case for legislation to require that those organisations that are direct beneficiaries of road accidents be required to fund government road safety programmes is put forward. The use of this approach in Victoria, Australia, has seen the road death toll decrease by 40% over 3 years and increased the profits of the insurance companies. Cost benefit analysis showed that the motor cycle learner permit scheme, random breath testing, accident black spot treatment and some new vehicle design rules were the most effective.
Abstract