Transport Safety Policy - Worcestershire County Council

Table 1.1 – The Transport Safety Policy and How It Will Deliver Against Worcestershire LocalTransport Plan 3 and Sustainable Community Strategy ObjectivesTosupportWorcestershire'seconomiccompetitiveness andgrowth throughdelivering a reliableand efficient transportnetworkTo reduce the impactsof transport inWorcestershire on thelocal environment, byreducing noise andtransport-relatedemissions of carbondioxide and othergreenhouse gases, withthe desired outcomesof tackling climatechange and reducingthe impacts oftransport on publichealthEconomicsuccess that isshared by allStrongerCommunitiesA betterenvironment fortoday andtomorrowEach road traffic collision generates costs in termsof resources, lost production, health-care and socialbenefits. It is nationally recognised that suchcollisions can be estimated to cost the country1almost £18 billion per year. The value forWorcestershire can be calculated as almost £1.4million. Thus Worcestershire's economy will benefitas a direct result of a reduction in road casualties.Road traffic accidents are often the cause of majorcongestion incidents and even damage onlyaccidents can cause significant disruptionparticularly if they occur on busy roads and at peaktimes.Major congestion incidents can be caused by roadaccidents, even if damage only. The congestioncan then create temporary localised air qualityproblems. Both actual and perceived trafficdangers can be a significant deterrent to walkingand cycling resulting in greater car usage for tripsthat could have otherwise be made by sustainablemodes. This increase in unnecessary car tripsincreases the transport carbon footprint and addsto local air quality problems.To contribute towardsbetter safety, security,health and longer lifeexpectancyinWorcestershire, byreducing the risk ofdeath, injury or illnessarising from transportand promoting healthymodes of travelCommunitiesthat are safe andfeel safeClearly there is a direct link between improved roadsafety and public health in terms of reduced roadcasualties. In addition improvements in road safetyfor walking and cycling encourages greater activityand contributes to the corresponding healthbenefits.