Lord Berkeleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they agree with the European Road Assistance Programme 2004 British road accident report that lists 11 high accident risk roads on which a total of 392 fatal or serious accidents were recorded in the period 2000–02; and whether imposing lower speed limits would significantly reduce the number and severity of such accidents. [HL4633]
§ Lord Davies of OldhamThe results of the European Road Assessment Programme 2004 report on British roads show that in addition to the 11 persistently high risk roads a further 17 road sections have joined the list of Britain's most improved roads published in 2003. The total number of sections of road in the higher risk categories has reduced by 46 per cent from 158 to 86. That there remain high risk roads is a matter of concern, but the results show that the application of simple engineering measures is highly effective at reducing crashes and casualties, with speed cameras making a contribution to this reduction on about half of the road sections. The introduction of lower speed limits in isolation is unlikely to be the solution, although highway authorities may consider this as part of a wider package of speed management measures when carrying out road safety assessments. My department will shortly consult on revised guidance to highway authorities on the setting of local speed limits. The guidance will include advice on how to assess the most appropriate speed limit on a particular road.