Bristol Council Launches Taskforce to Tackle Road Safety and Cut Fatalities

A new council taskforce is being formed to address road safety and accident hotspots across Bristol.

Figures from Bristol City Council show that in 2023, 138 people were either killed or seriously injured on the city’s roads — 24 more than the year before. Pedestrians made up around 30% of those affected, while cyclists accounted for 20%.

Potential measures under review include targeting the city’s ten most hazardous junctions, expanding the use of average speed cameras, and restricting traffic outside schools during drop-off and pick-up times.

The taskforce will be chaired by Green Party councillor David Wilcox, who last year pushed the council to back the “Vision Zero” initiative. This strategy, first introduced in Sweden and since adopted by several UK cities, aims to eliminate road deaths altogether. On average, about 130 people are killed or seriously injured annually in Bristol.

Councillors on the transport policy committee are expected to approve the creation of the group on Thursday, September 11. According to a committee report, the group’s role will be to design a new road safety strategy, define its scope and objectives, and adopt a safe systems approach. This includes outlining the framework for an action plan aimed at cutting casualties and improving safety, particularly for vulnerable road users.

The report notes that improving safety will not only reduce collisions but also encourage more people to walk, cycle, and use wheelchairs for everyday journeys. This shift is expected to benefit public health, improve air quality, and cut transport-related carbon emissions.

The taskforce will present its recommendations early next year. As part of its work, it is expected to consult a range of partners, including Avon & Somerset Police, Avon Fire and Rescue Service, local hospitals, the South Western Ambulance Service, the road safety charity Brake, the Bristol Cycling Campaign, and the Bristol Walking Alliance.