This paper considers measures being taken to improve road safety in the city of London, UK. Road safety targets were set in 2001 for reduction in the numbers of people killed or seriously injured, and progress has been encouraging. The London Road Safety Unit undertakes research into casualty numbers, identifies specific problems and makes suggestions for improvement. Road safety engineering measures give good value for money and reduce casualties. Education, training and publicity initiatives include motorcycle training, a cinema commercial, a children's traffic club, a teenagers' campaign, and a campaign targeting cyclists and drivers of heavy goods vehicles. Speed and red light infringement cameras have proved cost effective. Barriers to progress include psychological resistance to humps and safety cameras, increased use of powered two-wheelers, and lack of skilled staff. In order to fulfil targets, good working relationships are needed with police, fire and ambulance services, local authorities, the authority Transport for London, and the media. For the covering abstract see ITRD E121172.
Abstract