The number of fatalities from road accidents in Gloucestershire has surged by over 50% in recent years, raising alarms among local officials and residents. According to official data, 26 people lost their lives in road collisions last year, up from 21 two years prior and 17 in 2023.
Serious injuries linked to road accidents also remain a concern, with 280 reported last year compared to 291 in 2024 and 365 in 2023. Slight injuries declined somewhat, with 838 incidents in 2025, down from 1,055 and 1,085 in 2024 and 2023 respectively.
These statistics were discussed at the Gloucestershire County Council’s Environment Scrutiny Committee on May 6, where councillors voiced frustration over what they described as a lack of a strategic plan to combat the rising toll.
Councillor Chris McFarling, Green Party representative for Sedbury, emphasized the absence of a comprehensive approach. “We haven’t got a plan yet,” he stated, stressing that monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of road safety measures is crucial. He cited Sweden’s road infrastructure as a model, noting its forgiving design that reduces deaths and serious injuries by accommodating human error.
McFarling highlighted a local example near Woolaston Primary School where money spent on traffic calming—such as road signs and chevrons—failed to reduce vehicle speeds, demonstrating the need for ongoing impact assessments.
Strategic Highways Chief Roger Whyborn echoed concerns but pointed out that government changes affect targets and that Gloucestershire aims to realistically meet those targets despite limited resources. He endorsed the introduction of 20mph community safety zones as a key step toward reducing accidents caused by speeding.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Evans, chair of the road safety partnership, underscored the moral imperative to bring fatalities and injuries down to zero. “If 25 people died in any other way, we’d have gold groups and media scrutiny immediately,” he said, stressing that road deaths are preventable and that accountability must be upheld across the partnership.
Jason Humm, Director of Transport and Highways, confirmed ongoing investment in safer roads initiatives, focusing on community 20mph zones. He also noted that further progress in education and awareness efforts will require additional revenue funding.
As Gloucestershire confronts these troubling statistics, the call for a clear, monitored, and enforceable action plan grows louder to ensure the safety of all road users.