Surrey is home to some of the busiest stretches of motorway in the UK with significant numbers of vehicles using the county’s road network every day. Road safety is understandably a significant concern for Surrey residents, and a key focus of the Police and Crime Plan.
Key progress during 2023/24:
- National role: In 2023/24 I was appointed as the Association of Police and Crime Commissioner’s (APCC) lead for roads policing and transport, advocating for stricter penalties for those who endanger others while driving, cycling, or using e-scooters. Supported by my Deputy, the role has enabled me to work collaboratively with the British Transport Police and government to elevate transport safety nationwide. Keeping road users safe is a central component of my Police and Crime Plan. Given that Surrey’s motorways are among the busiest in Europe, the importance of road safety cannot be overstated for our community. We are fortunate to have dedicated teams such as the Roads Policing Unit and the Vanguard Road Safety Team, whose efforts are crucial in maintaining safety on our roads. However, there remains much to be done to secure safety across all modes of transport throughout the country. Addressing distracted and dangerous driving is a key focus of my role, as such behaviour poses severe risks on the roads. Although many are compliant, a few reckless individuals continue to flout the laws designed to protect everyone. Moreover, the rise of e-scooters has introduced new challenges in urban areas, with related accidents nearly tripling over a year, according to the latest data from the Department for Transport. It’s clear we need to intensify our efforts to reduce these risks and ensure safety for all road users.
- Roads policing research: Since taking the national lead for roads policing, my office has been working with the APCC to understand how Commissioners can improve their oversight and support of roads policing.
- With funding from the Department for Transport, my team has been undertaking a research project that explores the extent to which PCCs are holding forces to account and to understand potential gaps in oversight. The findings of this research will be used to inform the development of Police and Crime Plans and the development of more robust scrutiny mechanisms. Funding to support new operational initiatives: In addition to research, my office has also made a successful bid to the DfT to trial some new tactics and equipment within our road policing teams. Although specifics cannot be shared due to the sensitive nature of the operations, these advancements will play a crucial role in our ongoing efforts to keep our roads safer for everyone. This initiative is a step forward in our commitment to pioneering modern solutions to road safety challenges, ensuring our policing methods remain as effective as possible.
Explore further data concerning Surrey Police progress against this priority.
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