UK roads could get star ratings after report slams safety

UK roads could be given star ratings to help simplify future safety policy after the road system was heavily criticised in a new report.

The Euro RAP findings said most British road deaths are concentrated on just 10 per cent of the network. It recommends setting a national goal for all A-roads to meet a minimum three-star safety threshold, while the busiest A-roads and motorways must hit four and five-star ratings.

Low-cost action – such as resurfacing and improved signage and markings –on 15 stretches of road has reduced serious crashes by 80 per cent, which is worth £0.4billion to the economy.

• UK's most dangerous roads

But the report was critical of the huge gulf that exists between regions. Road users face risks on the major roads of the East Midlands that are two-thirds higher than in the neighbouring West Midlands.

James Bradford, engineering manager for the Road Safety Foundation, which commissioned the report, said it was time for a change, explaining: “The busier the road, the more frequently any flaw in layout leads to death and serious injury.

“Our understanding has grown in the past few years that the risks on each stretch of road can be measured. The in-built safety of road infrastructure, like cars, can be measured and star rated. We should not be driving five-star cars on one and two-star roads.”

• Government to spend £15bn on 'road revolution'

Roads minister Robert Goodwill responded to the criticism by admitting he is keen to work with the Highways Agency and local authorities to see if star ratings could help in the UK. He said: “I recognise the positive impact star rating systems have had on the safety of vehicles and roads around the world.

“While it’s far too early to say if we’ll adopt star ratings here, I’ve asked my officials to look into their benefits.”

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