Road (Highways Safety) related deaths

PFD Category
Reports: 503 Areas: 68 Earliest: Aug 2013 Latest: 6 Apr 2026

82% response rate (above 63% average). 27% of classified responses show concrete action taken. Reports rose 56% from 32 (2023) to 50 (2024).

PFD Reports
503 results
Allan Stevenson
Response Pending
2026-0207 6 Apr 2026 Suffolk
Anglican Water Core Highways Group Limited Secretary of State for Transport +1 more
Concerns summary (AI summary) A traffic management plan was incorrectly implemented due to inaccurate map coordinates, leading to improper signage and a road traffic collision; special signage was unavailable due to the plan flip.
Susan Whittles
No Identified Response
2026-0191 1 Apr 2026 East Riding and Hull
Department for Transport Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Concerns summary (AI summary) Nationals of non-designated countries who fail a GB driving test can continue to drive in the UK for up to 12 months on their foreign licence without supervision, despite not meeting the DVSA's safety standards.
Elizabeth Lang and Katie Lang
All Responded
2026-0182 26 Mar 2026 Northumberland
Northumberland County Council
Concerns summary (AI summary) Surface friction was low at the collision site, and while the council had undertaken roadworks, there was no advance warning signage alerting unfamiliar drivers to the severity of the bend where the collision occurred.
Action Taken (AI summary) • The location on the A1068 Sheepwash Road has been identified and recorded by the Council’s Highways service as a high-risk site for the purposes of traffic safety assessment. • The site has already been subject to resurfacing and road marking works during 2025/26 and has also been included within the 2026–2027 Local Transport Plan programme for traffic safety improvements. • The Council has now commenced a review of the site to consider options to improve the visibility and awareness of the bend for road users, including the potential use of advance warning measures.
James Coates
No Identified Response
2026-0168-wp121078 19 Mar 2026 Cumbria
Department for Transport
Concerns summary (AI summary) The current system relies inadequately on drivers self-reporting medical conditions to the DVLA, as doctors are not required to report, risking unreviewed licenses for seriously ill drivers.
Rita Thomas and Christine Dale
All Responded
2026-0093 12 Feb 2026 Cumbria
National Highways
Concerns summary (AI summary) The junction design, coupled with the national speed limit on the A684, provides drivers with insufficient reaction time, increasing the risk of serious collisions.
Action Taken (AI summary) • National Highways has upgraded and improved the approach signing. • ’STOP’ signing and approach lane delineation markings have been installed. • Transverse yellow markings have been laid along the direct approach from the M • Junction 37 was classified as a high harm location, initiating multi-agency reviews. • A coordinated package of safety improvements was implemented in December 2024. • The council conducted a full speed review of the A684 in partnership with the Cumbria Constabulary Safety Camera Unit in November 2024.
Georgia Scarff
No Identified Response
2026-0057 4 Feb 2026 Suffolk
Department for Education Minister for Women and Equalities Royal Hospital School
Concerns summary (AI summary) School staff unfamiliarity with the safeguarding system led to missed recordings. The lack of a single national safeguarding information management tool for schools creates inconsistent practices and risks.
Nathan Cyster
All Responded
2026-0051 3 Feb 2026 Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
Department of Transport Moss Farm National Highways
Concerns summary (AI summary) Hazardous right-turn manoeuvres, absent "left turn only" signage, ineffective road markings, and ambiguous legal guidance for crossing double white lines collectively create a dangerous road environment.
Noted (AI summary) National Highways will investigate road markings, signing, and carriageway layout on the A5, with a view to identifying mitigation measures to reduce injudicious overtaking. Implementation of any measures is subject to funding availability, with the investigation to be completed by 30/06/2026 and implementation in FY 2026-27. • Moss Farm Shop has asked Midland Signs to prepare a "no right turn" sign to be placed at the exit of the car park. • Moss Farm Shop will advise drivers leaving the shop not to turn right.
Alan Baker
All Responded
2025-0643 24 Dec 2025 Norfolk
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Concerns summary (AI summary) There is no mandatory requirement for LGVs to have reversing cameras or for existing cameras to be maintained, increasing the risk of accidents during reversing manoeuvres.
Action Planned (AI summary) The government launched a Road Safety Strategy including a consultation on mandating vehicle safety technologies covered by UN R158. The UK will raise the possibility of including goods vehicle trailers in the scope of UN R158 at the next UNECE working group meeting.
David Langford
Partially Responded
2025-0621 11 Dec 2025 North Wales (East and Central)
Conwy County Borough Council Road (Highways Safety) related deaths Wales prevention of future deaths repor…
Concerns summary (AI summary) Poor visibility at a dangerous road junction, caused by overgrown foliage, a dull mirror, and old railings, is exacerbated by an inappropriate national speed limit, posing a risk of future collisions.
Action Planned (AI summary) Conwy County Borough Council has agreed with the property owner to replace the railings to the right of the Waterloo Hill junction with a more suitable boundary treatment by March 31st, 2026. They have also conducted a route speed limit review for the A548 and propose to reduce the speed limit to 40mph, shortly to be advertised as a Traffic Regulation Order and proposing changes and improvements to traffic warning signs to be completed by March 31st 2026.
Matilda Seccombe and Harry Purcell
Partially Responded
2025-0612 8 Dec 2025 Coventry and Warwickshire
Association of British Insurers Brake Chartered Insurance Institute +4 more
Concerns summary (AI summary) Current licensing arrangements for new drivers inadequately address risks from multiple passengers, vehicle loading, and rural road conditions. Insurers also lack consistent methods to identify 'fronting' and effectively communicate telematics-related safety.
Noted (AI summary) The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) acknowledges the concerns but states that its role is to ensure fair value and good outcomes for customers, not to prevent accidents or mandate specific product features like telematics, which falls outside their remit. The ABI will continue to work with its members to promote telematics for young drivers, advocate for young driver safety within the Road Safety Strategy, collaborate with road safety partners, and campaign to raise awareness of motor insurance frauds. The Department for Transport and DVSA highlight existing resources and campaigns for new drivers, and mention a consultation on introducing a Minimum Learning Period for learner drivers that closes on 11 May. Brake, a road-safety charity, acknowledges the concerns and highlights its campaigning for stronger licensing measures and its delivery of road-safety education, as well as providing support to families bereaved and seriously injured in road crashes. The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) commits to writing to all general insurance firms with Corporate Chartered status to highlight the report's issues and working with various stakeholders to improve practices related to young drivers, named driver arrangements, and telematics, with guidance to be published by the end of 2026.
Leonardo Machado
Partially Responded
2025-0611 5 Dec 2025 Dorset
Department for Business and Trade Department for Education Department for Transport +2 more
Concerns summary (AI summary) Insufficient oversight of 'rental' food delivery licenses to underage individuals places children in vulnerable lone working situations, increasing their risk of road traffic collisions and harm.
Noted (AI summary) HSE acknowledges the concerns around the rental of food delivery licenses to under 18s, lone working, and road safety but states road traffic accidents are generally a police matter. HSE notes actions being taken by other government departments and the food delivery industry to tighten controls.
John Hickmott
All Responded
2025-0605 1 Dec 2025 Milton Keynes
Highways and Transportation, Milton Key…
Concerns summary (AI summary) Numerous streetlights on a dangerous stretch of road were reported faulty but not repaired in a timely manner, severely reducing pedestrian visibility and contributing to fatal collisions.
Action Taken (AI summary) Milton Keynes City Council has reiterated contractual requirements for streetlight repairs, now undertakes sample check inspections of repair works, and will have a remote monitoring system installed for most streetlights by April 2026. They have also introduced Road Safety Assessments for larger streetlight outages to consider temporary signage or speed limit reductions.
Gurkirat Singh
Partially Responded
2026-0089 28 Nov 2025 Black Country
Highways Department Sandwell Local Authority
Concerns summary (AI summary) A dangerous road stretch lacks pedestrian crossings, has obscured visibility from parked vehicles, and suffers from poor street lighting and absent central road markings, leading to multiple incidents.
Action Planned (AI summary) Sandwell Council is proposing a road safety and public realm improvement scheme for B4517 Owen Street, Tipton, including new pedestrian crossings and traffic calming. It is also proposed to extend the principles of this scheme to include B4517 High Street, including enhanced lighting and a new 20mph zone.
Lisa Bowen
All Responded
2025-0592 20 Nov 2025 Surrey
Department for Business and Trade Department for Transport Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency +3 more
Concerns summary (AI summary) A vehicle's anti-locking braking system (ABS) critically failed after a tyre detachment, incorrectly reducing braking and creating an unaddressed design flaw. This specific scenario of tyre detachment is not accounted for in industry testing, affecting many vehicles.
Action Planned (AI summary) The Department for Transport will highlight the particulars of the case at the relevant UNECE forum in May and collaborate on whether specific provisions are necessary for R13H; officials will also gather relevant information to understand potential risks to existing vehicles and consider retrospective action. Toyota has been gradually implementing changes in the design of its new cars to ensure that drivers are provided with more information about any reduction in tyre air pressure and are discouraged from driving when tyres are in a dangerous condition, and regularly communicates through its social media, customer communications and website channels to promote safe driving.
Christopher Sampson
All Responded
2025-0572 12 Nov 2025 Birmingham and Solihull
Department for Transport DVLA General Medical Council +1 more
Concerns summary (AI summary) Drivers are failing to self-notify the DVLA of medical conditions, and there's a lack of clarity on medical professionals' awareness or effective use of reporting guidelines. A promised national road safety strategy addressing this issue remains unpublished.
Action Planned (AI summary) The General Medical Council (GMC) plans to launch a targeted awareness campaign in the new year, using its communication channels, to promote its existing guidance on assessing patients' fitness to drive. The GMC is also exploring opportunities for joint working with the General Optical Council. The General Optical Council will include information in its next registrant newsletter highlighting responsibilities regarding drivers' fitness to drive and explore using its annual survey to gather evidence on barriers preventing referrals. It also awaits the Government's strategy on this issue and will then work with stakeholders. The Department for Transport is considering evidence gathered during the 2023 call for evidence and findings from recent inquests, giving consideration to the process of self-declaration. The department has also developed a new Road Safety Strategy.
Samuel Vass
No Identified Response
2025-0568 6 Nov 2025 Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly
Service Director for Environment Cornwa…
Concerns summary (AI summary) The lack of speed enforcement on a specific A3083 road stretch has contributed to multiple fatal collisions caused by excessive speeding.
Alexander Lewis
All Responded
2025-0539 24 Oct 2025 Swansea Neath & Port Talbot
Home Office South Wales Police
Concerns summary (AI summary) Pursuing drivers lacked the ability to communicate dynamic risk assessments, were overburdened with tasks leading to missed critical information, and police training suggested a two-officer crew for safety.
Noted (AI summary) The Department of Transport notes that there are no specific statutory guidance or mandatory distance regulations for yellow lines near junctions. The decision rests with the local authority, and traffic signing is devolved to the Welsh Government. The Minister explains police driver training standards, noting that decisions on crewing are operational matters for Chief Constables. Pursuits resulting in a fatality are referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. South Wales Police acknowledges the concerns about crewing of Road Policing Unit officers during pursuits, but states its training and operational model are designed to ensure public safety and officer competence. They highlight national standards, training, and post-pursuit review processes, while also emphasizing the need to balance operational effectiveness and resource availability, deeming single crewing the most practical option.
Martin Evans, Patricia Evans and Neil Errington
All Responded
2025-0523 16 Oct 2025 Cumbria
Department for Transport
Concerns summary (AI summary) The DVLA's over-reliance on drivers self-reporting medical unfitness is problematic, as some individuals with impairments may lack insight or be unwilling to inform them, risking future deaths.
Action Planned (AI summary) The DVLA will review its guidance to clinicians on assessing driving risk related to medical conditions, to improve clarity and consistency, potentially including structured risk assessment tools and clearer expectations for specialist reports. The Department for Transport will review the self-declaration forms and consider ways to further raise awareness of the importance of notifying medical conditions to the DVLA and the potential consequences of failing to do so. They will engage with healthcare professionals to reinforce the importance of notifying the DVLA if their patient lacks the capacity or willingness to inform the DVLA of their condition themselves.
Richard Ellis
All Responded
2025-0483 26 Sep 2025 West Sussex, Brighton and Hove
Department for Transport, Great Minster…
Concerns summary (AI summary) There are no legal requirements for the servicing and maintenance of agricultural tractors, leaving safety dependent solely on owner discretion and posing a risk on public roads.
Action Planned (AI summary) The Department of Transport will investigate how best to raise awareness of DVSA’s guidance on maintaining roadworthiness and consider publishing additional guidance on agricultural vehicle maintenance, including for vehicles operated solely on private land.
Catherine Moore
No Identified Response
2025-0486 25 Sep 2025 Suffolk
Secretary of State for Defence
Concerns summary (AI summary) The MOD's vehicle maintenance system (JAMES) is complex, lacks audit capabilities, and has no formal processes for inspecting, testing, or providing feedback on repairs, risking vehicle safety.
Leonardo Machado
All Responded
2025-0476 18 Sep 2025 Dorset
Deliveroo Home Office Just Eats +1 more
Concerns summary (AI summary) A lack of oversight regarding the 'rental' of food delivery licenses to children under 18 places them in vulnerable lone-working situations, increasing their risk of road traffic collisions and harm.
Noted (AI summary) Uber Eats uses industry-leading account-sharing detection technology, including real-time identity verification software requiring couriers to take selfies that are compared with their profile photo and monitors for suspicious behaviors that may indicate attempts to circumvent their security controls. Deliveroo has strengthened checks and processes to ensure rider accounts are only used by authorized individuals, including biometric checks and identity verification, and has a dedicated team investigating potential account sharing with minors; they also terminate agreements with riders who allow unregistered substitutes to use their accounts. Just Eat has introduced enhanced checks to ensure substitutes meet requirements set for all couriers, requiring pre-registration, biometric checks, and document submission to prove age and right to work; random biometric screening checks are also performed. HSE acknowledges concerns about rental of permits, employment of minors and lone working, but notes that road traffic accidents are generally a police matter. They highlight existing guidance and legislation, and ongoing work between government and the food delivery industry to improve security checks.
Cheryl Edwards
All Responded
2025-0449 4 Sep 2025 Hertfordshire
Chief Executive Hertfordshire County Co…
Concerns summary (AI summary) The 60mph speed limit on the stretch of Sarratt Road between the M25 over-bridge and Sarratt Village is too high, posing a road safety risk.
Noted (AI summary) The Road Policing Unit provides context from the perspective of detectives and Traffic Management Officers, stating that the speed limit does not need to be reduced and offering to speak to the Coroner or the family to explain their views further; the decision of the road's safety sits with HCC colleagues. Hertfordshire County Council will maintain the current speed limit, apply targeted vegetation clearance, consider area-wide rural speed management approaches as part of their Speed Management Strategy review, and strengthen messaging to the public on road safety and vegetation responsibilities. They will also propose regular multi-agency collision review meetings.
Ayan Sediqi
All Responded
2026-0014 1 Sep 2025 Greater Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire County Council Lincolnshire Police National Highways Midlands region
Concerns summary (AI summary) Dangerous road conditions, including ungritted ice and flowing water, were not addressed despite public reports. The existing reporting systems for road faults were unclear and disparate, leading to a failure to act on these critical safety concerns.
Action Planned (AI summary) Lincolnshire County Council plans to improve public awareness of road hazard reporting by increasing visibility at public events, using social media, and developing the FixMyStreet platform. They will measure performance via user numbers and feedback, aiming for annual improvement. Lincolnshire Police will support National Highways in promoting their 24/7 Customer Contact Centre for road-related issues. They will incorporate the contact number into public materials, engagement sessions, and digital communications. National Highways will include contact details in all communications, incorporate their website into fleet vehicle livery, establish a Social Media Response Team, explore wayfinding services, and better inform on-road staff. They will also investigate hard plate signage to guide road users.
Charlotte Noordam
All Responded
2025-0422 12 Aug 2025 Birmingham and Solihull
Birmingham City Council
Concerns summary (AI summary) A high-incident crossroads junction is inherently confusing due to its non-signalised, historic design, posing an ongoing safety risk despite current legal compliance.
Action Planned (AI summary) Birmingham City Council intends to take steps to address the volume of vehicular traffic using the junction of Frederick Road and St James Road. The first phase will be implementation of vertical traffic calming measures and additional signage, with further traffic management measures to follow.
James Scott
Partially Responded
2025-0374 24 Jul 2025 Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton
Hampshire County Council National Highways
Concerns summary (AI summary) Inadequate gully maintenance, insufficient warning signage, and the continued presence of surface water on a known flood-risk road contributed to a fatal incident.
Action Planned (AI summary) National Highways is working with Hampshire County Council and the M3 J9 scheme team to address flood risk issues on the A33, including drainage remediation, ditch clearing, and gully repairs. HCC and NH are coordinating on traffic management and further investigations, with maintenance planned through March 2028.