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Road Safety: West Midlands
09 June 2026
Lead MP
Manuela Perteghella
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
Crime & Law EnforcementTransport
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Manuela Perteghella raised concerns about road safety: west midlands in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The MP raised concerns about the high number of fatalities on West Midlands roads, citing examples where residents reported speeding and dangerous driving but received inadequate responses from local authorities. She highlighted the need for national legislation to enforce speed limits, protect vulnerable road users, and provide funding for active travel infrastructure. The Government’s recent road safety strategy was welcomed but criticised for lacking enforcement mechanisms. The MP called for proactive measures rather than reactive approaches in addressing road safety issues.
Erdington
Residents of Chester Road are frustrated with inconsistent enforcement and lack of clarity around speeding policies, despite existing speed restrictions. There is a need for clearer national guidance and better co-ordination between local authorities, police, and transport bodies.
Lee Rowley
Con
North East Derbyshire
Agreed with the hon. Member that rural road safety should not be overlooked alongside urban issues. Cited concerns about speed limits and enforcement in his constituency where speeding is common due to lack of traffic calming measures.
Government Response
The Minister acknowledged the importance of the debate and thanked the MPs for their contributions. He emphasised that road safety is a priority for the Government, highlighting ambitious targets in the recently published road safety strategy to reduce deaths and serious injuries by 65% by 2035. The minister outlined actions including a consultation on minimum learning periods for new drivers, strengthened motorcycle training, improved vehicle safety standards, and a new national charter to improve work-related road risk safety. He also announced plans to update guidance on setting speed limits and the use of traffic-calming measures, emphasising proactive decision-making by local authorities based on evidence. The minister committed £7.3 billion in capital funding for local highways maintenance and reiterated that local authorities do not need to wait for fatalities before taking action.
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Assessment & feedback
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.