Today sees the launch of an online survey for those living in Greater Manchester to have their say on new plans to improve safety on the region’s roads.
Plans have been drawn up for the implementation of Vision Zero, which aims to end all deaths and life-changing injuries on roads by 2040, with views being sought by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). Through the survey, residents are being asked about their own experiences, including whether or not they feel safe as a pedestrian, whether they have suffered serious injury or loss in a road collision, as well as whether fear or being involved in a collision is stopping them from walking, wheeling, or cycling.
Following extensive citizen engagement, a finalised Vision Zero Strategy and Action plan will be submitted for approval by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority later in 2024. The draft plan was drawn up last month, with this being endorsed by GMCA leaders such as Andy Burnham.
Head of Highways at Transport for Greater Manchester and spokesperson for Vision Zero, Peter Boulton, said:
“Last month the GMCA endorsed a draft version of our Vision Zero strategy, and it is now time for the people of Greater Manchester to have their say on what is a vitally important document…
“Road accident statistics only reveal a small part of the impact of road death and life-changing injury in Greater Manchester. We now want to better understand the personal experiences behind those statistics.”
The strategy is important, with nearly 10,000 people being killed or seriously injured on Greater Manchester roads in the last ten years. This number includes pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists making up almost two-thirds of the people that have been killed or seriously injured in that time, whilst drivers and passengers make up 34%. It is estimated that around 3,800 avoidable deaths and serious injuries can be prevented by 2040 if a strategy such as this is implemented.
Other areas across the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States have already adopted Vision Zero strategies. In June 2023, Public Sector Executive spoke to Greater Manchester’s Active Travel Commissioner, Dame Sarah Storey, about Vision Zero and the plans that would follow. Storey said at the time:
“It’s heartbreaking to learn of a fatal or life-changing collision and sadly there has been some horrendous incidents, very recently, right on our doorstep. These incidents are neither acceptable or investible, and we should all be doing everything we can to prevent them.”
Image credit: iStock
