PCC welcomes strategy to support with local efforts to reduce harm on West Mercia’s roads

The Government is announcing its road safety strategy today (Wednesday 7 January), which is expected to include proposals such as lowering the drink drive limit, mandatory eye tests every three years for drivers over 70, and tougher penalties for failing to wear a seatbelt. 

With road safety a key priority in Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion’s Safer Communities Plan, the PCC has broadly welcomed the proposals. 

Between January and October 2025, there were 559 casualties or fatalities on West Mercia’s roads. 

• 67 of these involved a driver aged 70 or over (12%) 
• 100 involved young drivers aged 17 to 24, with speeding, behaviour and inexperience identified as major contributing factors 

PCC John Campion said: “Road safety is consistently raised with me as the number one concern for local communities.  

“One life lost on our roads is one too many, and by working closely with organisations like RoadPeace I hear too often the impact this harm has on loved ones. That’s why I welcome any steps that help make West Mercia’s roads safer. 

“It is disappointing, however, that this strategy has only now been published after multiple delays by the Government. There is no time to waste when lives are at risk. 

“National strategies like this underline the vital role of PCCs in driving local action and supports my ongoing efforts alongside West Mercia Police and our local authority partners. 

“The absence of Graduated Driving Licences is also a missed opportunity, but I remain committed to supporting bereaved families calling for change to better protect newly qualified drivers.” 

For more information on RoadPeace, a charity supported by the PCC that helps those bereaved through road collisions to cope, please visit – https://www.roadpeace.org/