The UKRLG Roads and Bridges Suicide Prevention Guidance was developed with input from the road sector and Samaritans and encourages planners and engineers to incorporate features that could act as a deterrent. 

The guidance marks a significant step in recognising the role of infrastructure in suicide prevention. It includes physical design changes, such as modifications to parapets and barriers, to restrict access. Other safety measures, such as improved lighting, are intentionally subtle and may not be immediately recognised as suicide prevention measures.

The guidance, which is the first of its kind for the road industry, has been published on World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September 2025). The industry is encouraged to consider suicide risk from the very beginning of road and bridge design.

Nicola Tweedie, National Highways’ Suicide Prevention Lead, said:

"Around 50 suspected suicides are estimated to occur on motorways and major A-roads each year, accounting for approximately 20% of all deaths on our network."

“The tragic impact of suicide goes far beyond numbers and statistics. Each life lost represents a person, a family and a community left devastated. By considering suicide risk early in the planning process, we can help save lives on our roads"

Other advice in the guidance includes emergency phones and improved lighting; monitoring tools such as CCTV; and close partnership working with local authorities, police and mental health services.

Elizabeth Pettersen, High Risk Locations Programme Manager at Samaritans said:

“Suicide is not inevitable, and together we can help prevent it. The road sector has an important role to play in making sure suicide prevention is considered at every stage, from design through to maintenance. Samaritans is proud to work in strategic partnership with National Highways and we welcome the launch of this much needed guidance. It’s important that this is now implemented across the road industry to ensure fewer lives are lost on the strategic road network.”

This guidance helps everyone responsible for our roads and bridges to work together to help prevent suicide. By taking early steps to make infrastructure safer, we can all help protect lives across the country.

Notes to editors:

UKRLG Roads and bridges suicide prevention guidance 

The purpose of this guidance is to raise awareness of, and provide information about, suicide prevention within road user safety management. 

UKRLG Roads and Bridges Suicide Prevention Guidance

UK Roads Leadership Group: The UKRLG brings together national and local government from across the UK to consider roads infrastructure engineering and operations matters.

Samaritans: When covering the topic of suicide please refer to Samaritans’ Media Guidelines for Reporting Suicide

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or email them at jo@samaritans.org