The number of fatalities from road accidents in Gloucestershire has risen sharply over the past three years, with official data showing a more than 50 percent increase. Last year, 26 people lost their lives in collisions across the county—up from 21 in 2022 and 17 in 2023.
In addition to fatalities, serious injuries remain high, with 280 recorded last year, compared to 291 in 2024 and 365 in 2023. Slight injuries totaled 838 in 2025, down from 1,055 in 2024 and 1,085 in 2023.
These figures were reviewed by councillors at Gloucestershire County Council’s environment scrutiny committee, sparking concerns over a perceived lack of a clear and effective road safety plan.
READ MORE: Rivals Star Alex Hassell Shares Emotional Last Words from Dame Jilly Cooper That Move Him to Tears
READ MORE: GP Urges Women to ‘Get Checked’ as Overlapping Symptoms Cause Confusion
Councillor Chris McFarling of Sedbury highlighted the absence of a comprehensive strategy to reduce these numbers and stressed the failure to monitor the impact of safety measures. Citing Sweden’s road infrastructure as an example, he explained how designs that “forgive” human error help minimize deaths and serious injuries.
McFarling emphasized: “A strategy is not a plan. We don’t have a plan yet. A plan is not an action, and an action is not an outcome.”
He illustrated the point with a recent case near Woolaston Primary School, where several thousand pounds were spent on road signs and markings intended to reduce speeds, but post-implementation surveys showed no change.
“Without monitoring, you don’t know if measures work,” he said. “Enforcement is important, but we need evidence that it’s making a difference.”
Roger Whyborn, Strategic Highways Chief, agreed with many of McFarling’s points. He acknowledged government pressure to meet realistic targets for reducing deaths and serious injuries despite resource constraints. Whyborn highlighted the introduction of community 20mph zones as a positive step, with speed being a critical factor in collisions.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Evans, who chairs Gloucestershire’s road safety partnership, stressed their commitment to driving fatalities and injuries to zero. He pointed out that if 25 people died by other causes in the county, there would be intense scrutiny and urgent action.
“Accidents don’t have to happen,” Evans said. “We all share a duty to reduce this number and hold those responsible accountable.”
Jason Humm, the council’s Transport and Highways Director, confirmed ongoing significant investment in 20mph community safety schemes and safer roads initiatives. He noted that while capital funding supports infrastructure improvements, increasing education and awareness efforts will require additional revenue funding.
The council and partners face pressure to develop a clear, actionable, and monitored plan to reverse the troubling rise in road deaths and injuries across Gloucestershire.