The RAC has urged the Government to reintroduce road safety targets as new data shows a 7% rise in fatalities on British roads in 2021. 

The number of reported road deaths rose 7% in 2021, while the overall number of casualties was up by 11%

The newly published provisional road casualty statistics for last year show that collision numbers started to rise again after a lockdown-related fall in 2020. 

The statistics include an estimated 1,560 reported road deaths in 2021, while the overall number of casualties rose 11% to 127,967. And the number of serious injuries rose 14% to 27,539. Meanwhile e-scooter collisions increased year-on-year. 

However, in all cases the numbers are down from the 2017 to 2019 average. And pedal cycle fatalities fell by a fifth from 2020. 

The RAC said it was disappointing to see collision numbers rise again last year as the UK eased itself out of lockdown restrictions following a dip in 2020. 

Head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes commented: “Summer 2021 in particular appears to show an above-average number of fatalities on our roads. RAC research suggests there is a huge level of concern among drivers about the standard of driving on our roads, so we urge the Government to consider re-introducing road safety targets. 

“They should also look at whether the long-term decline in full-time road traffic police officers has led to a worsening in driver behaviour and an increase in casualties as a result.” 

He added: “We also once again call on the Government to look at how camera-based technology could support the police in enforcing the ban on handheld mobile phone use while driving.” 

The AA also said it had hoped to see the reduction in the 2020 road casualty statistics be maintained for longer.  

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, added: “The one glimmer of hope is that the total number of casualties last year remains lower than pre-pandemic levels, so we need that to be the turning point in order to make our roads as safe as possible.“

He also welcomed the fall in pedal cycle fatalities and expressed hope that the updated changes to the Highway Code create the pathway towards safer cycling. 

Commenting on e-scooters, Cousens continued: “We are still learning about the type of incidents e-scooters are involved in as well as the kinds of injuries they create. While the number of collisions increased significantly from 2020, initial reporting shows that e-scooter riders are more likely to hurt themselves rather than others. 

“Despite the fact e-scooters are only legal through rental schemes, some police forces have been collecting the type of owner. Interestingly Nottinghamshire Police recorded more private e-scooter injuries compared to those in rental schemes which highlights the need to properly regulate e-scooter specifications before allowing them on our roads.”