Road deaths in the West Midlands have fallen over the past two years, yet the number of serious injuries on the region’s roads has increased, according to the latest annual report from West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster.
The report indicates encouraging progress in several areas, including a reduction in road fatalities, intensified enforcement efforts, and a decline in illegal street racing incidents. However, it also reveals a rise in serious injuries sustained in road accidents and an increase in crime on local trains and trams.
By the end of March 2026, there were 41 road fatalities reported-16 fewer than at the same point in 2024. Conversely, serious injuries rose from 1,131 in 2024 to 1,180 in 2026.
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Enforcement targeting the so-called ‘fatal four’ driving offences-speeding, drink or drug driving, failing to wear a seatbelt, and use of mobile phones or other distractions-has intensified, with recorded enforcement actions increasing from 3,488 in 2024 to 5,581 in 2026. Notably, arrests related to drink or drug driving decreased slightly, from 2,936 to 2,761 over the same period.
Efforts to curb organised criminal street racing appear to be succeeding, with offences dropping from 4,049 in 2024 to 2,682 in 2026.
Community involvement in reporting dangerous driving has dramatically increased through Operation Snap, where citizens submit video evidence of reckless behaviour. Reports surged from 7,842 in 2024 to 22,056 in 2026. However, the proportion of reports resulting in positive outcomes declined from 81 per cent to 59 per cent.
Further enforcement is evident in the rising number of vehicle seizures for driving offences, increasing from 11,854 in 2024 to 14,056 in 2026.
On the public transport front, bus-related crime saw a slight decrease from 4,218 incidents to 4,183, while crime on trains rose from 2,570 to 3,098, and on the metro from 114 to 120 incidents.
Simon Foster emphasised the ongoing commitment to road safety improvements: “Reducing road fatalities remains a top priority, as reflected in the decrease from 57 to 41 deaths. Enforcement against dangerous driving has significantly escalated, with a 60.01 per cent increase in actions targeting the fatal four offences compared to the baseline year.”
He added that public engagement has been vital, with over 22,000 reports submitted, though acknowledged concerns over the increased serious injuries and some rises in public transport crime.
The West Midlands Regional Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan, launched in 2024, outlines a vision to halve deaths and serious injuries by 2030 and achieve ‘Vision Zero’-eliminating all road deaths-by 2040. Key initiatives include lowering speed limits, enhancing enforcement against speeding and dangerous driving, and tackling uninsured driving.
Mr Foster concluded: “While the region’s roads are becoming safer, continued analysis and targeted action are necessary to understand and prevent the factors contributing to the rise in serious injuries and certain areas of crime. Our commitment remains steadfast to making the West Midlands safe for all road users and public transport passengers.”