Over 100 fewer people were killed or seriously injured on the West Midlands’ roads in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year – a major step forward in regional road safety.
The 18% fall follows the launch of the West Midlands Road Safety Action Plan in November 2024.
The plan, developed by the Regional Road Safety Partnership, includes increased enforcement against speeding and dangerous driving, alongside efforts from local leaders and communities.
Less than 400 deaths
Between January and June 2025, 471 people were killed or seriously injured, down from 575 in 2024.
WM Mayor Richard Parker said: “The latest data shows the action plan we put in place last year is beginning to get results. So far this year 100 fewer people have lost their lives or been seriously injured. But every life lost is one too many and we still have much work to do.”
Speed cameras supporting efforts
The region has tripled speed enforcement activity. In June alone, more than 36,000 offences were captured through various speed camera networks.
Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “This isn’t about persecuting innocent motorists but about changing long-term driving behaviours through education and enforcement. The reductions we are seeing in the West Midlands region are bucking the national trends.”
Several new schemes
Mat MacDonald, appointed as the UK’s first Regional Road Safety Commissioner, continues to oversee the strategy’s rollout.
Additional measures include new school streets schemes, further speed cameras, and plans to work with delivery companies and councils on safer road design.
The region is also seeking to retain revenue from road fines to reinvest locally in safety measures. All involved agree, this is progress, but the work must continue.
