Lisbon, Portugal – Portugal’s National Road Safety Authority (ANSR) has expressed deep concern over the country’s continued struggle to improve road safety. Despite numerous campaigns and enforcement measures, Portugal remains far behind other European nations in terms of road fatalities.

Rui Ribeiro, the head of ANSR, urged the government to swiftly approve a new national road safety strategy that has been pending since late 2022. The strategy, which aims to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, outlines a comprehensive approach that includes safer vehicles, safer roads, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.

“We cannot continue to rely on campaigns and inspections alone,” Ribeiro said. “We need a fundamental shift in our approach to road safety.”

The ANSR chief highlighted the need for a more data-driven and evidence-based approach to road safety. He pointed to a significant increase in road inspections in recent years but noted that this has not translated into a corresponding decrease in accidents.

“While we have seen a significant increase in the number of road inspections, the number of road fatalities remains stubbornly high,” Ribeiro said. “This indicates that we need to do more than just enforce the rules. We need to change people's behavior.”

The new road safety strategy, which was developed with input from international experts, focuses on five key principles: safer road users, safer vehicles, safer infrastructure, safer speeds, and post-crash response.

Interior Minister Margarida Blasco acknowledged the need for a new strategy and assured the public that it would be approved soon. However, she did not provide a specific timeline.

“We are committed to improving road safety in Portugal,” Blasco said. “We recognize the importance of this issue and are working hard to find solutions.”