Proposals to introduce a new plan aimed at making roads safer and reducing the number of traffic accidents are set to be discussed by councillors.
Durham County Council’s Cabinet will this month hear plans for a Road Safety Strategy for 2022 to 2032.
In County Durham, the total number of road injuries reduced by 36 per cent in 2021 compared to the average number for the years 2017 to 2019. Fatal and serious injuries fell by two per cent during the same time.
The cost of dealing with road incidents in County Durham and Darlington is estimated at £120million a year.
A Road Safety Strategy would enable all key strategic partners to work towards a common delivery plan. Partners include Durham County Council, Darlington Borough Council, Durham Constabulary and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service.
The strategy’s objectives are:
• Provide a co-ordinated approach to data-led programmes of road safety work.
• Maintain a downward trend in casualties and severity across all road user groups.
• Specifically target those road user groups over-represented in casualty statistics.
• Improve the safety of all highway users.
• Promote and encourage safer and healthier modes of travel and contribute to carbon reduction and air quality and reduce the impact that road incidents have on all agencies, including the NHS.
The strategy would include a mechanism for recording, evaluating and reporting the number of road casualties and also provide accountability to all partners involved.
It would also look at identifying locations which could benefit from road infrastructure improvements and the delivery of 20mph projects in communities where appropriate.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member economy and partnerships, said: “Road casualties in County Durham have reduced in recent years, which is to be welcomed.
“However, we continue to strive to reduce road casualties even further.
“Every fatality is a tragedy and serious injuries can be life-changing and far-reaching in their consequences for the victim and their family and friends.
“This strategy will provide a foundation for additional road safety programmes to be designed, implemented and evaluated.”
The strategy will also see targeted road safety education, training and campaigns in schools and colleges, which will also be delivered in communities and neighbourhoods.