There were 191 people killed on Scotland’s roads in 2016. This was  an increase from the year before. The figures for the start of 2017, which are also available, show a slight decrease.

Local MSP David Stewart, Labour, who is also a Road Safety campaigner asked the Scottish Government’s Transport Minister, Humza Yousaf, about not meeting the set targets.

Humza Yousaf answered that three out of four of the milestone targets had been met.

Photographer – Ashley Coombes 07887676002

” 2016’s worsening picture underlines that there is no room for complacency. One death on Scotland’s roads is always one too many and, while Police Scotland figures illustrate a slight improvement for the first half of 2017, all partners remain committed to securing our challenging and ambitious casualty reduction targets.

 “It is encouraging that, overall, casualties fell by 1% between 2015 and 2016 from 10,973 to 10,901, the lowest number since records began, and the clear longer term downward trends should be acknowledged. Through continued education, enforcement and engineering, we are well placed to progress in the right direction towards our Road Safety Framework to 2020 targets.

 “To build on the work carried out to date, we have started to look beyond 2020 to ensure continued commitment and progress towards our ultimate vision of no deaths on Scotland’s roads.”

David Stewart agreed with the Transport Minister. He said:

Photo Scottish Labour

“ Any death on our roads is a death too many and also the fact that none of us can take our eye of the ball relative to this particular issue. The increase in 2016 over 2015 for fatal and serious road collisions underlines this. Yes, overall casualty figures fell by 1% between 2015 and 2016,but the Government, Police and road safety organisations need to work even harder with the motoring public if we are going to meet the 2020 targets.

“I was interested to note the Minister list the three E’s in relation to how we are all going to continue to tackle this matter –  education, enforcement and engineering. I would add a fourth E – Enlightenment – Driver behaviour. We need to all take cognisance of our reaction to events when driving and stop, think and reflect before taking an action.”