The 2015 road safety statistics published last week by the European Commission show that 26,000 people lost their lives on EU roads last year, 5,500 fewer than in 2010 but up on the 25,900 reported for 2014.

In response, TISPOL said the figures are disappointing, especially as it follows such positive progress in the earlier years of this decade. 

It added that it supports the call from the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) for:

• The long-expected European Commission revisions to vehicle safety, pedestrian protection and infrastructure safety rules to be published as a priority
• The new serious injuries target – with associated measures to bring about reductions – to be published as a priority
• EU member states to take action to help improve road safety 

Ruth Purdie, TISPOL general secretary, said: “We share ETSC's concerns at the declines in levels of police enforcement, as well as a failure to invest in safer infrastructure and a lack of action on tackling speed and drink driving.  

“We welcome the publication of serious injury figures (135,000 in 2014). But for this to have an impact, we need to publish a long-term injury reduction target as well as measures to reduce the numbers.

“TISPOL remains committed to reducing death and serious injury on Europe's roads. We will continue to play our part in these vital tasks, and I look forward to working with partners and policymakers to ensure we are making a long-term difference.”