Powys to get new road traffic accident support fund

Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn, confirmed that there will be funding for a specialist local service to deliver support to road victims in the area for the next year.

The funding comes as recent figures confirmed 19 people were killed in road accidents in Dyfed-Powys in 2021 – with many more suffering serious and life changing injuries.

The support service is part of a National Road Victim Service run by road safety charity Brake who run a UK wide service that supports families and individuals bereaved or suffering a life changing injury in a road collision in the UK.

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Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Sadly, road collisions are common here in Dyfed-Powys, despite the proactive work of our Roads Policing Unit, Community Safety Speedwatch, and Go Safe.

“We all have a responsibility to drive safely and respect other road users. The casualty rate we saw here in 2019 should not be accepted and I am committed to reduce these statistics and the associated terrible human cost.

“I cannot begin to imagine the trauma experienced by families who suffer a bereavement or life-changing injury in a road collision and I hope that by funding this service delivered by Brake we can help alleviate some of that suffering, fear and uncertainty for victims in Dyfed-Powys.”

The funding from the Commissioner will deliver the first Independent Road Victim Advocate service in Wales.

This will involve a professional, trained caseworker who can visit people in their home to provide the support they need when the worst happens. They will help road victims understand the impact of trauma, find specialist support delivered by other organisations, and help them with practical matters such as finances, legal support and returning to work.

Jami Blythe, Development Manager at Brake, welcomed the news and said: “Thanks to funding from Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, Brake is able to extend the operation of the National Road Victim Service into this local area.

“The funding will help road crash victims in Dyfed-Powys cope with the shock, turmoil and devastation that road crashes cause to families.

“The Independent Road Victim Advocate will work with local families to provide the vital support they need. We are incredibly grateful to be part of the Commissioner’s commitment to supporting the needs of road crash victims.”