The Department for Transport has announced funding for the National Road Victim Service, a support service for road crash victims, and people supporting them to be run by road safety charity Brake.

Brake’s National Road Victim Service (NRVS) has helped road crash victims for more than two decades, offering them a lifeline with early intervention and lasting, specialist support, through an accredited helpline and information service in partnership with all police forces.

All police refer into the service through the delivery of a comprehensive pack of Brake support information to victims within 24 hours of a crash involving death. Brake now has £169,685 for the NRVS in 2020/21 which they believe will give an annual saving of £2.2m to the police through time saved caring for road crash victims. The service also gives savings to other services like health and social care.

Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: “The National Road Victim Service provides vital specialist help for victims, families and loved ones, during incredibly tragic circumstances. I am delighted to provide funding for this essential service which provides a lifeline to people during their darkest days.”