We hear a lot about Vision Zero and the Safe System approach to road safety, but in real terms can we make them work? A number of road safety partnerships mention both of these in their strategies, but are we actually fully embracing the concepts or just paying lip service to them? Using specific examples of partnerships that are on that journey we will explore the benefits of adapting strategies, structures and delivery plans to fully function within a Safe System approach whilst aspiring to the Vision Zero goal. There will also be examples of the barriers to change, be they political, structural or financial, as well as discussion of the need for a central point of focus or shared ownership of ambitions and targets.

Iain Temperton, Traject Road Safety Specialist

With over 35 years’ experience in the road safety profession, Iain’s final role before starting as a freelance consultant was team manager for road safety at Norfolk County Council. He provided overall management of the road safety education and driving teams and management of the county’s Casualty Reduction Partnership. In providing steer for the partnership, he established an environment of open communication and professional respect which inspired the creation of very successful and powerful media campaigns, educational schemes and training initiatives.

Iain was the liaison between Norfolk Constabulary and Norfolk County Council in the governance of the safety camera function, to facilitate the highways works and ensure that the political and media aspects of the scheme were approached proactively and in a timely manner. His social and political awareness, communication skills and the ability to negotiate, were a significant asset to this process. Iain has also served as director of communications for Road Safety GB, the professional practitioner body.

On a daily basis Iain was required to deal with a wide range of issues, encompassing HR, GDPR and data protection, safeguarding and budget management. He has the organisational ability, experience and drive to manage these often competing demands, whilst striving to provide the most effective, financially prudent and high quality service possible. His wide ranging knowledge of road safety issues and experience of what does and doesn’t work, are an invaluable asset to projects in this arena.

Since setting up as a freelance consultant Iain has worked with Road Safety GB, National Highways and Agilysis, amongst others, operating across the different disciplines of strategy, policy, evaluation and delivery.

Tanya Fosdick, Research Director, Agilysis

Tanya Fosdick is an experienced researcher who specialises in translating complex evidence into practice. With more than a decade of experience in the road safety sector, especially in relation to young drivers and motorcyclists, Tanya seeks to bridge the gap between academia and practitioners to improve the quality of road safety interventions, particularly in the educational arena.

Tanya is research director at Agilysis and principal research associate at Road Safety Analysis, leading research for both organisations and collaborating with the internal teams, and often a variety of external experts, to deliver projects.

Tanya's recent work includes exploring the issues relating to rural young drivers, adult pedestrians, occupational road risk, older drivers, the road safety performance of the Coalition Government and assessing the British Road Safety Statement.

In addition to research, Tanya has been leading evaluation projects since 2003, incorporating behaviour change theories into evaluation methodologies. She is currently involved in a variety of local and national evaluation projects exploring the efficacy of young driver, advanced driver training and motorcycle interventions.