The UK’s new road safety strategy identifies £24 billion of general roads funding for 2026/27 to 2029/30. Within this highly competitive landscape, road safety practitioners will need to present clear, evidence-led, and analytically robust business cases to ensure safety improvements compete effectively with wider pressures such as road maintenance, resilience, environmental commitments, and major projects.

This presentation will explore how road authorities can strengthen their case for investment by using transparent metrics, high-quality data, and proven analytical frameworks to demonstrate high-value, high-impact safety outcomes.

Drawing on recent practice from across the UK, the presentation will show how authorities have already developed compelling business cases by leveraging network-wide risk assessments underpinned by the internationally recognised iRAP methodology. These assessments provide a systematic and objective understanding of infrastructure risk, helping authorities identify their highest-benefit schemes and quantify expected reductions in deaths and serious injuries.

Case studies will illustrate how iRAP-based analyses have supported the prioritisation of safer infrastructure and survivability-focused speed management interventions, demonstrating strong returns on investment and clear alignment with Safe System principles.

Looking ahead, several authorities are now planning expanded network-wide survey programmes to accelerate their safer roads and safer speeds initiatives. These programmes offer an avenue to continuous risk monitoring, targeting the most cost-effective interventions, and maintaining a pipeline of investment-ready schemes.

The presentation will offer practical insights and messaging that practitioners can use to strengthen their business cases and secure the investment needed to deliver long‑term, system-wide safety improvements.

Dr Suzy Charman, Executive Director, Road Safety Foundation

Dr Suzy Charman is a leading expert on the Safe System, with over 20 years’ experience.

In her role at RSF, Suzy leads the United Kingdom Road Assessment Programme and is a recognised thought-leader on speed management and infrastructure safety.  

Prior to joining RSF, Suzy served as Head of International Road Safety at TRL and before that played a pivotal role in the establishment of the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP).