Police recorded road accidents: 2019 (revised)
Data on severity of injury and type of road user for 2019.
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In this page
A small number of errors were identified which affected the 2019 police recorded road accident release. This affects a small number of police recorded accidents and a small number of casualties. As a result of this, we worked with the four police forces across Wales to carry out additional quality assurance. This resulted in the removal of 3 fatal accidents from Dyfed Powys and the addition of 10 accidents (serious and slight accidents) from North Wales. It has also had a small impact on the numbers of casualties in North Wales and Dyfed Powys. The numbers for South Wales and Gwent remained unchanged during this process.
1. Main points
This year the police recorded road accidents release has been scaled back to allow resource to focus on analysis relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2019 police forces in Wales recorded 4,330 road accidents involving personal injury, 108 more (2.6% higher) than in 2018. Although this represents a small increase this year, over the longer term, accidents have fallen substantially.
These recorded accidents resulted in 5,808 casualties, 40 more than in 2018.
In recent years the number of accidents resulting in serious injury or fatalities has been relatively stable.
Increase in recorded accidents
Two police forces had an increase in recorded accidents; South Wales (5.5%) and Gwent (13.1%)
There was a significant drop in accidents recorded by South Wales Police in 2018. The uncertainty of this drop was discussed in our 2018 release. While there has been an increase in 2019, the figures continue to follow the long term trend of a reduction in South Wales.
Over the past year, Gwent Police have implemented a review of the process of recording accidents. The results of this review have likely contributed to an increase in the number of accidents being recorded and the observed increase seen in 2019.
Recorded road accidents by area and year
Of the 5,808 casualties recorded on Welsh roads in 2019:
- 1,193 people were killed or seriously injured (KSI)
- 95 people were killed, 13 fewer (12.0% lower) than in 2018
- 1,098 people were seriously injured, 69 more (6.7% higher) than in 2018
- 4,615 people were slightly injured, 16 fewer (0.3% lower) than 2018
Recorded road accidents classified as Killed or Seriously injured (KSI) by area and year
2. 2020 accident targets
Welsh Government set three targets to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured (KSI) on Welsh roads by 2020 when compared with the average for 2004 to 2008.
The current (2019) progress towards the 2020 targets shows that:
- all KSI have dropped by 15.1% against the 40% target
- young people KSI have dropped by 41.4% against the 40% target
- motorcyclists KSI have dropped by 2.3% against 25% target
Due to the increase in police recorded road accidents in 2019, the progress on each of the targets has worsened compared to 2018.
3. Quality information
Quality information can be found in our 2018 report.
The data is available on StatsWales and our interactive dashboard has been updated.
National Statistics status
The United Kingdom Statistics Authority has designated these statistics as National Statistics, in accordance with the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007 and signifying compliance with the Code of Practice for Statistics.
National Statistics status means that our statistics meet the highest standards of trustworthiness, quality and public value, and it is our responsibility to maintain compliance with these standards.
All official statistics should comply with all aspects of the Code of Practice for Statistics. They are awarded National Statistics status following an assessment by the UK Statistics Authority’s regulatory arm. The Authority considers whether the statistics meet the highest standards of Code compliance, including the value they add to public decisions and debate.
It is Welsh Government’s responsibility to maintain compliance with the standards expected of National Statistics. If we become concerned about whether these statistics are still meeting the appropriate standards, we will discuss any concerns with the Authority promptly. National Statistics status can be removed at any point when the highest standards are not maintained, and reinstated when standards are restored.
Well-being of Future Generations Act (WFG)
The Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015 is about improving the social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing of Wales. The Act puts in place seven wellbeing goals for Wales. These are for a more equal, prosperous, resilient, healthier and globally responsible Wales, with cohesive communities and a vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language. Under section (10)(1) of the Act, the Welsh Ministers must (a) publish indicators ('national indicators') that must be applied for the purpose of measuring progress towards the achievement of the wellbeing goals, and (b) lay a copy of the national indicators before the Welsh Parliament. The 46 national indicators were laid in March 2016.
Information on the indicators, along with narratives for each of the wellbeing goals and associated technical information is available in the Wellbeing of Wales report.
Further information on the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.
The statistics included in this release could also provide supporting narrative to the national indicators and be used by public services boards in relation to their local wellbeing assessments and local wellbeing plans.
4. Contact details
Statistician: Nicole Scully
Telephone: 0300 025 0066
Email: stats.transport@gov.wales
Media: 0300 025 8099
SFR 83/2020(R)