Road crime victims in England and Wales wait months for justice, report finds
Victims’ commissioner says 30,000 killed or seriously injured annually face delays and poor support after collisions
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Victims of road crime in England and Wales face delays, poor communication, and a lack of support from the criminal justice system, according to an official review. The victims’ commissioner for England and Wales, Claire Waxman, found that many of those affected by criminal driving felt their suffering was treated as less serious than other crimes.
The review, published on 13 August 2026, highlights that nearly 30,000 people were killed or seriously injured on roads in the year to June 2025. Of these, 1,579 died. An estimated 25-30% of collisions involved criminal behaviour, such as drink or drug driving or speeding.
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Victims describe systemic failures
Interviews with injured victims and bereaved families revealed widespread dissatisfaction. Many reported waiting more than two months for police to take witness statements. Others described difficulties accessing support while investigations dragged on, often without clear updates.
Waxman said in her report that victims felt "forgotten by the system that is meant to support them". She added that some were forced to fight for basic information while coping with trauma. Where victims had received support from specialist charities or dedicated officials, the impact was "profound".
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Behind every road death or serious injury is a victim, a grieving family and lives changed for ever. Yet too many victims told me they felt road crime was not treated with the seriousness it deserved.
Claire Waxman, victims’ commissioner for England and Wales
The report recommends stronger national standards for road traffic collision investigations. It also calls for consistent police training in trauma-informed practices and better oversight of investigations. Waxman urged the government to implement these changes to improve support for victims.
Charities call for urgent reform
Road safety charity Brake welcomed the report. Chief executive Ross Moorlock said it confirmed long-standing concerns about systemic failings. "We bear witness every day to the devastation victims experience in the aftermath of a crash, when too often the criminal justice process adds further trauma," he said.
The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) also supported the findings. Executive director Jamie Hassall said the report showed the "devastating impact of uncertainty, lengthy investigations, poor communication and inconsistent access to support". He called for a more victim-centred approach, including timely investigations and sustainable funding for support services.
What happens next
The government has not yet responded to the report. Waxman’s recommendations include national standards for investigations, better police training, and improved access to support for victims regardless of whether criminal charges are brought. It is unclear when or if these changes will be implemented.
Questions this report answers
+How many people were killed or seriously injured on roads in England and Wales in 2025?
Nearly 30,000 people were killed or seriously injured in the year to June 2025, including 1,579 fatalities. This figure comes from the victims’ commissioner’s report, which highlights systemic failures in support for victims of road crime.
+What problems do victims of road crime face during investigations?
Victims report waiting over two months for witness statements, poor communication from police, and delays in court proceedings. Many feel abandoned by the system, with some forced to seek basic information while coping with trauma, according to the victims’ commissioner’s review.
+What changes does the victims’ commissioner recommend?
Claire Waxman calls for stronger national standards for road traffic collision investigations, consistent police training in trauma-informed practices, and better oversight. She also urges improved access to support for victims, regardless of whether criminal charges are brought.
+Has the government responded to the report?
The government has not yet commented on the report or its recommendations. It remains unclear when or if the proposed changes, such as national standards for investigations, will be implemented.
WE FILE
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