Influences on decision-making in road safety

This paper extends work previously undertaken to map the actors involved in the road transport industry at a municipal level in the UK and explores the decision-making of, and relationships between, key actors with regard to road safety intervention. Interviews were undertaken with 21 key actors which found that the predominant approach to road safety problems remains person-based as opposed to system-based and that the devolution of responsibility to a municipal level has the potential to encourage this further. Interrelationships and formal partnerships between actors are key in influencing local decision-making and the roles of public perception, lobbying, and silo working are highlighted as key barriers to implementing evidence-based practice. Cross-departmental working and the use of financial levers are considered important facilitators and are needed to support those key actors who are embracing system-based approaches. One such approach identified by participants is the Vision Zero / Safe System approach to road safety and it is considered its global political acceptance enables a pragmatic shift within the industry towards system-based approaches. While focused on a single municipal area in the UK, commonalities are discussed relating to other jurisdictions looking to develop road safety management capacity and leadership on road safety, particularly LMICs, and where these lessons may prove useful in supporting a shift to system-based approaches.