WNC’s Road Safety Questionnaire Findings & Next Steps
Dear Parish/Town Councils,
Thank you to those councils who took the time to respond to the West Northamptonshire Road Safety Questionnaire. Your input has provided valuable early insight to help shape the emerging Road Safety Strategy and ensure it reflects local concerns and priorities.
We received 101 comments from 55 parish and town councils. While some councils submitted more than one response, the findings still offer a strong and consistent picture of how road safety is perceived across the area.
Key findings:
- Road safety is a significant concern locally:
- 60% of respondents rated road safety negatively (42% ‘unsafe’ and 18% ‘very unsafe’), with no respondents selecting ‘very safe’.
- Speeding is the most prominent issue:
- 64% of respondents identified speeding as one of the top three concerns. This was also the most frequent theme raised in additional comments, particularly at village entry and exit points.
- Other key issues include:
- HGV speeds and volumes
- Limited or inadequate active travel facilities
- Road safety risks linked to vulnerable road users
- Additional concerns raised:
- Many ‘other’ responses highlighted road surface condition and the suitability of roads for traffic volumes. While maintenance-related matters fall outside the scope of this strategy, they have been noted and will inform other council workstreams.
- The most widely supported interventions to improve road safety were:
- Traffic calming measures
- Speed limit reductions
- Additional suggestions included:
- Measures such as improved speed management at village approaches, enhanced crossings, and restrictions on pavement parking. All suggestions will be reviewed in line with national guidance and feasibility.
What happens next:
The findings from this questionnaire are being used alongside collision data and other evidence to inform the development of the draft Road Safety Strategy.
There will be a further opportunity for parish and town councils, residents, and stakeholders to share their views during the public consultation planned for Autumn 2026. We will ensure you are notified as soon as the consultation goes live and encourage you to participate again and share it within your communities.
Once again, thank you for your valuable contribution. Your local knowledge is essential in helping us develop a targeted and effective Road Safety Strategy for West Northamptonshire.
