No one would argue against the idea of making Britain’s roads the safest in the world.

So it may seem surprising that a Government strategy document setting out just that vision has come under fire from Bradford Council’s own highways expert.

It is not the overall aim, however, but the detail that is attracting Council traffic and highways manager Steve Thornton’s ire.

He takes issue with the “top-down” approach of the document which he says demonstrates insufficient understanding of local authority areas, including the needs of their communities.

And he seems to have a point, citing, for example, the fact the strategy referred to a “small number of people who break the law” despite research showing that West Yorkshire had very “significant problems” with people not wearing seat belts and 70,000 people a year being caught speeding.

He also says the strategy is too narrow and needs to link with other areas such as regeneration of local communities if it is to be truly effective.

It stands to reason that specific local issues would be more effectively tackled by tailor-made solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

And it is surprising that the national strategy does not, at present, seem to offer this leeway.

However, as this is only the consultation stage, we trust that the finished article will better reflect the input of the people on the ground who will have to make it work.