Launch of the road traffic collision risk methodology

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has announced the release of the Road Traffic Collision (RTC) Risk Methodology.

This tool is part of a series designed to support UK fire and rescue services (FRSs) in their community risk management planning (CRMP).

It aims to provide a uniform approach to evaluating the risk, likelihood, and consequences of RTCs across the UK, thereby aiding FRSs in assessing their readiness, prevention, and response strategies.

Dan Quin, NFCC’s Executive Lead for Road Safety and Chief Fire Officer at Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, stated: “This methodology highlights the importance of fire and rescue service involvement with road safety, and the necessity of a coordinated approach with our road safety partners.

“We set out to understand the national picture of risk identification and assessment, and created a standardised, data-led tool and evidence-based methodology.

“This will support decision-making on how to mitigate road safety risk locally and support national comparison and collaboration activities across England, Scotland, and Wales.”

Impact on UK fire and rescue services

The RTC Risk Methodology is the latest in a series of evidence-based risk assessment tools provided by the NFCC to support community risk management planning across UK FRSs.

The introduction of this methodology aligns with findings from an independent review in 2018, which identified varied approaches to community risk management among UK FRSs.

The first State of Fire report from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) further echoed this, recommending standardisation.

These tools by the NFCC aim to help services consistently identify, assess, and mitigate community risks and offer a framework for developing CRMPs.

Broader implications and next steps

In addition to the RTC Risk Methodology, the NFCC has launched the Evaluation of Fire Interventions document as part of its guidance series.

This document aims to enhance the UK FRS’s capabilities in conducting robust evaluations across Prevention, Protection, and Response domains.

Through collaboration with the Fire Standards Board, the NFCC has also produced a fire standard for community risk management and delivered several pieces of guidance and tools now in use by UK FRSs.

IFSJ Comment

The NFCC’s release of the Road Traffic Collision Risk Methodology is a notable step towards standardising risk assessment and management within the UK’s fire and rescue services.

By offering a unified framework for evaluating the risks associated with road traffic collisions, this methodology enhances the ability of FRSs to prepare and respond effectively.

As the UK continues to face diverse and evolving community risks, the role of such standardised tools in ensuring a coordinated and data-driven approach to risk management cannot be overstated.