Road Safety Trust Awards £280,000 to New Projects Aimed at Improving UK Road Safety

The Road Safety Trust has confirmed nearly £280,000 in funding for a series of new initiatives focused on improving safety across the UK’s road network.

A total of seven projects have been selected through the Trust’s Autumn 2025 Small Grants programme, which supports both research and practical interventions designed to reduce road danger and ultimately save lives.

This funding round introduced a revised two-stage application process for the first time, providing early feedback to applicants before full submissions were invited. The approach proved successful, attracting a record level of interest.

In total, 88 expressions of interest were submitted, representing a wide range of organisations including universities, police forces, charities and community groups.

Following a detailed assessment and review by the Road Safety Initiatives Committee, seven projects were approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees, subject to final formalities.

Funded Projects

The successful initiatives cover a broad spectrum of road safety challenges, including:

• Leaders Unlocked – The Young Drivers’ Commission: Engaging young people in shaping driver education, testing and licensing

• Transport for All: Research into walking speeds of disabled people to inform safer crossing design

• University of Leeds: Investigating when and why drivers comply with 20mph speed limits

• Derbyshire Constabulary: A national campaign aimed at improving motorcycle safety

• The Open University (with Devon & Cornwall Police): Supporting emergency drivers in recognising and managing cognitive distraction

• CVS Brent: Delivering multilingual safety messaging for pedestrians and cyclists

• Impact and Insight Ltd: Developing guidance on the use of virtual reality in road safety education

  
  

Driving Innovation in Road Safety

Ruth Purdie OBE, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Trust, said the high level of interest in the funding round reflects the ongoing need to address road danger.

She highlighted the diversity of applications and the wide-ranging approaches being taken to improve safety, noting that fatalities and serious injuries on UK roads remain a significant concern.

Purdie congratulated the successful applicants and said she looks forward to seeing the impact their work will have in making roads safer for all users.

A Continued Focus on Reducing Harm

The latest funding round demonstrates the Trust’s ongoing commitment to supporting innovative solutions and evidence-based approaches to road safety. By backing projects that address behaviour, infrastructure, and education, the programme aims to deliver meaningful improvements across the transport network.