Safer Journeys action plan - how it works

This page outlines how the Safer Journeys action plan works and what the next steps are.

How this action plan works

This action plan provides a framework (as shown in the diagram below) for NRSC agencies to develop and implement initiatives over the next 2 years.

Action plan framework:

There are 11 areas of high or medium concern, and 2 areas of continuing/emerging focus. The areas of high and medium concern are the major focus for this action plan. Almost all of these areas have impacts across the four elements of the Safe System. This action plan sets out focus areas for each area of concern, with actions assigned to NRSC agencies.

Although the areas of concern can impact across the four elements of the Safe System, within the action plan they are assigned to the element that they have the strongest relationship with.

The focus of the action plan is on those initiatives that will have the greatest impact in reducing crashes and trauma. The action plan is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all work that is being undertaken by NRSC agencies. The success of the action plan will involve the wider road safety partners; in particular the role of local government will be key to the success of many of the actions in this plan.

It is also important that all road safety initiatives represent good value-for-money. Agencies that are assigned responsibility for an action under this plan will still need to justify the action through their usual decision-making, planning, programming and funding processes.

Next steps

Road safety partner agencies have already made a number of changes to their day-to-day operations to align with the objectives of Safer Journeys and this action plan.

Some of the actions identified in this plan are already underway, while others require more detailed design and funding before they can commence. All actions in this plan are expected to commence in the 2011–2012 period, with some expected to take several years to fully implement.

To some extent, this action plan is constrained because most of the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) funding for this period has already been committed. Further action plans will be developed for the years through to 2020, and will be included as part of the NLTP funding cycle, which will provide the opportunity to align safety investment and agreed actions.

We all have a responsibility for road safety

The partner agencies that belong to the NRSC have a key role in road safety and in the implementation of this plan, along with regional transport committees, local authorities, and community organisations. Processes such as road safety action planning provide collaborative approaches to achieving road safety outcomes.

Under the Safe System approach, all system designers must share the responsibility for road safety outcomes. System designers include planners, engineers, policy makers, enforcement officers, vehicle manufacturers and importers.

Ultimately, road safety is the responsibility of all New Zealanders. This action plan should also be a guide for local communities, private companies and other organisations.

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