Surrey County Council seeks views on road safety plan

Fire and rescue teams in Surrey attend more traffic collisions than house fires, according to the chief fire officer for Surrey Fire and Rescue Service

Views are being sought on plans to improve road safety in Surrey.

Between 20 and 30 people die on Surrey's roads every year, with many more injured, according to Surrey County Council.

The local authority's Vision Zero strategy aims to reduce fatal and serious injuries by 50% by 2035, with a target of zero by 2050.

The council has launched a public consultation into the strategy, which will run until 24 March.

Councillor Matt Furniss, cabinet member for highways, transport and economic growth, said it was essential to set "ambitious targets" due to the impact road collisions have on victims, their families and the wider community.

"Between 20 and 30 people still tragically die on Surrey's roads every year and many more are injured," said Mr Furniss.

"I would like to encourage all residents to have their say on our important proposals to help us drive down death and injuries in Surrey now and for our future generations."

'Devastating impact'

The Vision Zero strategy has been drawn up by the county council, firefighters, National Highways, Surrey Police, and the police and crime commissioner.

Dan Quin, chief fire officer at Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, said fire crews attended more traffic collisions than house fires in Surrey.

"We have witnessed first hand the life-changing injuries and the devastating impact on families who have lost loved ones," he said.

As well as the online consultation portal, hard copies of the strategy and questionnaire are available in the county's libraries and council offices.

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