Thomas Mitchell

Motorcycling fatalities rose from 25 to 27 and serious injuries from 280 to 292; cycling fatalities increased 250 per cent, from 2 to 7 and pedestrian fatalities increased by 42 per cent (32 to 47). Those seriously injured rose from 367 in 2022 to 429 in 2023.

Thomas Mitchell, partner at RTA LAW LLP, which represents vulnerable road users and their families, said: “The figures show that vulnerable road users are not being protected by current road safety measures.

“Overall, fatalities amongst motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians continue to rise. Car drivers may be safer than ever before as in-car safety technology improves, but those on two wheels or walking are more at risk than ever. Casualty figures are on the rise too, up by three per cent which makes for disappointing reading given Scottish Government’s target to reduce road casualties by 50 per cent by 2030.

“I welcome Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop’s comments on the road casualty statistics, with her commitment to include funding for campaigns to tackle the behaviours identified as causing most harm on our roads. It is clear now, more than ever, that those behaviours which cause the most harm are being exhibited against vulnerable road users and so more needs to be done to protect motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians from a road safety perspective if we are to have any impact on reducing fatalities in these road user groups.”