Transport Safety Strategy update to be launched – Aiming for zero traffic fatalities by 2050

The Ministry of Transport and Communications has launched an update of the Transport Safety Strategy. The strategy is guided by Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities in Finland by 2050.

“The Transport Safety Strategy will improve safety in the long term and in cooperation with various stakeholders in the sector. We need determined and sustained efforts to achieve the goal of zero traffic fatalities. This time, the strategy will primarily focus on improving road safety, as that is where the greatest challenges remain,” says Minister of Transport and Communications Lulu Ranne.

A resolution on the first Transport Safety Strategy was issued in 2022, and it will remain in force until 2026. The strategy, which aims to improve transport safety and prevent traffic accidents comprehensively across all modes of transport, provides a framework for traffic safety work in Finland.

The Transport Safety Strategy will be updated in 2026 to reflect developments in traffic safety. It will define measures to be taken in the next five years to advance the Vision Zero target and will especially address key road safety issues, such as accidents involving young drivers and substance abuse.

The update will mainly concern the strategy’s measures. Vision Zero will continue to guide the strategy, and the action plan’s update will follow the Safe System approach.

Transport safety work is under way

In addition to the Transport Safety Strategy, the Ministry of Transport and Communications is implementing and planning to launch several projects to improve safety in traffic.

A draft government proposal to amend the Driving Licence Act is currently being circulated for comments. Comments may be submitted until 14 December 2025. The aim of the legislative project is to improve traffic safety for young people in particular. During autumn 2025, a broader reform of the Driving Licence Act will be launched when the national implementation of the updated EU Driving Licence Directive, adopted on 21 October 2025, begins. The Directive aims to modernise driving licence regulation and improve transport safety. Improving transport safety is also one of the objectives of the National Transport System Plan, known as the Transport 12 Plan.

What’s next?

The updated Transport Safety Strategy will enter into force in 2027. It will be prepared during 2026, and stakeholders will be invited to comment on it during the process.

Inquiries:

Maija Rekola, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 342 006, [email protected] 

Juuso Suomento, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 342 071, [email protected] 

Sofia Johansson, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 342,090, [email protected]

Monika Mutanen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 342 204, [email protected] (Driving Licence Act)