28/04/2023
The Welsh Government has published 'Police recorded road collisions: 2022'.
In 2022 police forces in Wales recorded a total of 3,312 road collisions, broadly similar to the number seen in 2021, and a decrease of 23.5% compared to 2019.
These road collisions in 2022 resulted in 4,442 personal injuries. Of these, 93 people were killed, 921 people were seriously injured and 3,428 ‘slight’ injuries were recorded.
26/04/2023
Work to prepare Powys roads for the upcoming default 20mph speed limit will begin this week.
On 17 September, the Welsh Government will introduce a default 20mph speed limit on restricted roads across Wales. Restricted roads are generally those where streetlights are placed no more than 200 yards apart and are usually located in residential and built-up areas with high pedestrian activity.
The move will see Wales become the first UK nation to introduce a lower speed limit following in the footsteps of European countries, such as Spain, where 30km/h (18.5mph) is already in place.
Evidence shows reducing the default speed limit from 30mph to 20mph on these roads, will see a number of benefits including a reduction in road collisions and serious injury, more people walking and cycling and improvements to health and wellbeing.
20/04/2023
The completion of the safety and improvement work on the Aber Tai’r Meibion section of the A55, which includes a new active travel route, has been officially marked by the Minister for North Wales Lesley Griffiths.
The £30m scheme, which includes £20.7m EU funding, addresses the increased risk of flooding due to climate change and also improves safety on the section which was over 50 years old. Work included removing eight gaps in the central reservation where agricultural vehicles used to cross.
It has also delivered over four kilometres of a new and improved active travel route linking Abergwyngregyn with Tal-y-bont, Llanfairfechan and National Cycle Network 5 after consultation with residents of Abergwyngregyn. The development has been welcomed by cycling groups.
11/04/2023
GoSafe, Road Safety Wales and Welsh police forces urge road users to improve road safety for bicycle and motorcycle riders.
Powered Two Wheelers (PTW) and cyclists represent approximately 1% of all traffic on Welsh roads, however, 853 people from these groups were killed or injured in 2021. That represents 11.4% and 8.2% of road casualties respectively. This clearly shows that these groups are at higher risk of injury when involved in collisions.
There are steps that we can all take to keep ourselves and each other safe on the roads. GoSafe, RSW, and Welsh forces will be putting a focus on their aims to reduce the number of these collisions, through both education and enforcement.
07/04/2023
Agilysis has been commissioned to undertake the writing of a new strategy for road safety in Wales following a safe system approach with a vision zero goal.
Agilysis has a strong track record of producing road safety strategies, having already worked with several regional road safety partnerships and builds on international road safety reviews that the team have undertaken in the Middle East and the road safety performance framework for Scotland.
Over the next few months, a 6-phase process will draw on the input and expertise from stakeholders across Wales ensuring that the new strategy encourages a systemic and collaborative approach, embracing a shared responsibility between those who design, build, maintain, and use roads and vehicles.
04/04/2023
With the approaching Easter bank holiday weekend, the increasingly lighter days mark the start of the new motorcycling season for many riders.
Wales holds a major attraction for riders due to the uniquely challenging roads and breathtaking scenery. Whilst the vast majority of motorcyclists show an excellent standard of riding, a small minority choose to use the roads as a racetrack, putting themselves and other road users in danger and risking life changing injuries or even death. Police forces across Wales will target these individuals in the coming months, giving the clear message that poor and anti-social riding behaviour will not be tolerated.
This could also be the first time in a few months that many motorcycles have been out of the garage. Before every ride, preparation is key to your safety. Take a close look at your kit and your bike to ensure everything is in full working order, paying particular attention to the condition of your tyres, brakes and lighting – it could save your life. Just as important is ensuring that you are well prepared; never ride angry, tired or impaired by drink or drugs.