CONCERNS over road safety issues in Rugby have been taken to the top by Rugby’s MP.
John Slinger says his constituents have spoken to him about a number of issues in the borough, including the lack of pedestrian crossings on Coventry Road near Nature Trails Nursery, the speed limit on the A426 into Rugby, reckless driving by HGV drivers, and legal loopholes that allow uninsured or drink drivers who cause fatalities to receive lighter sentences.
Residents have also raised concerns over speeding, dangerous driving, poor enforcement, and pedestrian safety – particularly near schools, residential areas, and busy junctions.
Mr Slinger has raised the issues with either Warwickshire County Council or the Department for Transport.
During Road Safety Awareness Week, he joined Minister for Local Transport Lilian Greenwood to support the government’s upcoming Road Safety Strategy – the first national plan in over a decade to tackle the rising number of deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads.
Mr Slinger said: “I’ve listened to people in Rugby who are calling for action, not excuses. Road safety isn’t just a transport issue – it’s about protecting lives, supporting families, and restoring confidence in our streets.
“I will continue to raise constituents’ concerns regarding road safety; it is an issue that is important to many in the constituent and to me too personally.
“I spoke last week at the Livia Awards – set up by my constituents in memory of their daughter who was killed by a dangerous driver in London many years ago. The Awards commend Met Police officers for their service to justice when catching road criminals and comforting families.
“At the ceremony I spoke about how all road deaths caused by crashes are avoidable, so we need a ‘Safe System’ and ‘Vision Zero’ approach. And I discuss road safety regularly with the road safety minister.
“Every year, 1,600 people lose their lives on our roads, and thousands more are seriously injured. We would not accept this in any other area of public life – a tragedy for families and a huge cost of over £2billion a year to our NHS.
“Labour’s commitment to restoring order to our roads and protecting all road users is long overdue.”
The Road Safety Strategy is expected to be published soon.
