LEADERS across the West Midlands have launched a plan to tackle dangerous driving in the region, in order to “save lives”.

The Road Safety Action Plan outlines more than 20 actions that will be implemented to help cut the number of deaths and serious injuries that occur on roads in the area.

Funding for extra staff to review speed cameras and dashcam footage has been announced, to help catch more people who are speeding or driving dangerously, as well as plans to identify and remove more uninsured vehicles and drivers from the roads.

A quarterly review of all road deaths and serious accidents has also been proposed, in order to learn lessons and know how to act accordingly, and additional support will be provided for victims of dangerous driving through restorative justice and organisations like RoadPeace.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) had said they will work with the food delivery industry, to improve safety and compliance for their staff, with the media to highlight successful prosecutions for dangerous driving where “justice has been done” and with local councils to design safer streets.

The plan has been drawn up by West Midlands Police, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the WMCA, local councils and the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, and Simon Foster, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, are also calling for the government to allow money generated from fines for driving offences to be kept in the region so that it can be invested into increasing road safety.

Currently income from local fines, which generate over £2 million in the West Midlands each year, goes straight to the Treasury.

Mayor Richard Parker said: “Too many lives are left devastated by the dangerous driving of a few irresponsible motorists who treat our roads as a racetrack.

“This action plan sets out how we are going to make our roads safer for everyone and save lives.

“This includes putting more people to work reviewing dashcam and CCTV footage so we can bring reckless drivers to justice.

“And we have started the search for a person to fill our new role of Road Safety Commissioner.

“This is the first time we have had a dedicated commissioner to improve the safety of our roads.

“This person will use their profile to promote road safety and make sure we are delivering on this action plan to make journeys for everyone safer.”

The Police and Crime Commissioner, added: “Road deaths and serious injuries are not just unfortunate collisions.

“They are predictable, preventable, and unacceptable.

“Evidence shows that setting a road safety target is an effective way to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured in traffic crashes.

“The Action Plan sets out a range of measures that partners have collectively and collaboratively committed to delivering, in order to achieve that target.

“I am committed to playing my part, so that we prevent and tackle crime and anti-social behaviour and reduce the number of people tragically and avoidably killed and seriously injured on our roads.”

The plan is expected to be approved by the Mayor and council leaders at the WMCA Board meeting on Friday, November 15.