The Metropolis

As Chicago sets a target of zero road deaths, where is our Road Safety Plan?

Mike Pollitt | Wednesday 30 May, 2012 10:15

Atlantic Cities reports on Chicago’s new transport plan:

“Eliminate all pedestrian, bicycle, and overall traffic crash fatalities within 10 years. That is the first “performance measure” listed in the safety section of the Chicago plan, which also calls for a 50 percent reduction of roadway injuries to pedestrians, bicycles, and motorists in five years.”

That target of 0 deaths on the road has raised eyebrows. How can it be achieved? The plan will include:

“…engineering local streets to reduce car speeds; improving pedestrian and bike facilities; education; better data collection and evaluation; and increasing enforcement. Mayor Rahm Emanuel is strongly behind such measures even when they are politically unpopular, as was the case with a controversial speed camera bill that the mayor pushed through the City Council last month.”

This is only a plan, for sure. But it’s an ambitious one aimed at protecting the lives of the city’s people.

It’s also politically brave. Set yourself a target as tough as this, and there’s a good chance you will fail. But even failure might save lives.

How does London measure up?

Road deaths are falling. 126 people died on London’s roads in 2010, down 57% in 10 years. Chicago averages about 50 deaths a year.

Road safety was a live issue in the Mayoral and London Assembly election earlier this month, chiefly thanks to the vocal efforts of cyclists. Last year in London 16 cyclists lost their lives, and so far 5 have died in 2012 (details here).

And yet the city’s latest (PDF) Road Safety Plan dates from 2001 and carries a foreword by Ken Livingstone. Green Assembly Member Jenny Jones asked Mayor Johnson for an update on when we might see a new one in January this year:

“Why has your draft London Road Safety Plan failed to appear, despite three years of promises that it would? Will you now have time to formally consult the London Assembly on the document as you promised and to finalise it ahead of the pre-election period?”

His response, paraphased: “We’re working on it.”

The 2001 plan set targets for reducing deaths and serious injuries by 40% by 2010. This was achieved ahead of schedule, so in 2006 new targets of a further 50% reduction in deaths and serious injuries by 2010 were announced. These targets, set 6 years ago and with an end date 2 years ago, are the latest that I can find. There do not appear to be any current published targets for reducing deaths on our roads.

I have asked TfL for an update on when the new plan will appear and what the current targets for casualty reduction are. If they ever get back to me, I’ll post their response.

Atlantic Cities – Chicago’s Ambitious Plan for Zero Traffic Fatalities
PDF of the 2001 Road Safety Plan
A couple of Jenny Jones’ questions, Nov 2010, Jan 2012 on when a new plan might appear
Spreadsheet of cycling deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads since 2006.

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