Driving data should be used to deliver safer solutions

Anonymised data from modern cars must be used to deliver better road safety measures by Oldham Council, says local councillor Sam Al-Hamdani.

With modern cars delivering anonymised data from driving to insurance companies, some of which is made available to local councils, the Councillor has asked the senior directors to look into using it to assess road safety schemes, both before and after they are implemented. 

Councillor Al-Hamdani, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said: “In my ward, we have delivered some significant road safety measures – including a School Streets scheme to create a safe area for children walking to school on Medlock Way, and a remodelled junction for Stamford Road and Huddersfield Road following two fatalities.

“Residents have asked me about how well the measures have worked, and this data could really help us show that they have worked – or if they haven’t, to let us know what we need to change.”

It is relatively recently that the data has started to be supplied to councils, and there is little best practice existing around how to use it.

Councillor Al-Hamdani added: “Oldham has the opportunity to set the standard. No-one wants to bring in measures that are ineffective: we want to deliver safe roads that everyone can use – drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

“I look forward to finding out how the Council plans on using this information to help everyone.”