Child pedestrians from areas that are more deprived are over four times as likely to be injured or killed in a traffic incident than children that live in wealthier areas, according to a new report presented to MPs.
The report added that the DfT, Department for Transport, should take more note of this fact, and promote proper road safety in the deprived areas where most child pedestrian casualties occur.
The report, published by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee said that the department was already aware of the fact that police data that is used to measure casualty areas is understated.
Edward Leigh, the committee chairman, stated that the department has just now realized that the mismatch was enormous, and that although in 2008 there were only 230,000 casualties reported to police, but the estimated figure is closer to 800,000.
Leigh continued to say that it is important that the department figures out a way to adjust the police data so that the picture presented to local council’s is more accurate.
Also noted in the report is the fact that the DfT was not aware that cyclists engaged in behaviour that often presented a hazard to other motorists, and themselves.
In response the committee responded that new schemes should be focused on education to cut down on ‘anti-social behaviour’ that could help reduce how many people break traffic laws on a regular basis.
Among recommendations by the committee is a greater use of CCTV speed cameras, road humps, and more 20mph zones.
