|
|
|
|
| Safety Camera at A40 Lea - 10 October 2008The Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia is concerned about the level of speeding that is still occurring along the A40 at Lea, South East of Ross on Wye.
Despite the fixed camera installation being in place since 2005, motorists are still travelling through the village at speeds well above 30mph.
The camera was installed at this site in response to the number of collisions which had occurred, the speeds at which motorists were travelling and complaints from members of the public.
In the previous 3 years over the 400 metre stretch of road there had been 6 recorded collisions, 3 of which were in the ‘killed or seriously injured' category.
Trevor McAvoy, Partnership Manager for the Safer Roads Partnership said;
“The speeds that some motorists are still travelling along this stretch of the A40 and the number of vehicles exceeding the speed limit continues to be unacceptable. We trust that this further public reminder of camera enforcement at the site will make drivers more alert to their speeds they are travelling there and elsewhere, and will help reduce the risk of collisions.”
ENDS
|
| New Cameras for M50 roadworks - 30 September 2008New safety cameras will be going live this week at the site of temporary roadworks on the M50 to help protect workers operating on the road.
Work will be taking place at Queenhill Bridge on the M50 between junction 1 and 2 while improvement work is taking place to the road surface. While the work takes place a temporary 40mph speed limit will be in place and only a single carriageway will be open to traffic in both directions.
The Safer Roads Partnership, who operate safety camera sites through West Mercia, will be operating the cameras and the type of equipment used will be the ‘SPECS’ system, which will measure average speed over the length of the roadworks.
Trevor McAvoy, Partnership Manager said;
“We are pleased to be able to support the Highways Agency by providing cameras at this site to make sure motorists are sticking to the reduced 40mph limit. The main aim is to protect the workforce on this stretch of road, but also to reduce the risk to the travelling public”. |
| Campaign asks young drivers to reflect - 09 September 2008
A new Midlands* wide publicity campaign has been launched today in West Mercia, asking young people to imagine how they would feel if their driving resulted in a friend sustaining permanent, life changing injuries.
The ‘Best Mate’ campaign is based around a short film showing three young friends enjoying a game of beach volleyball. The sense of fun and exuberance is replaced by feelings of guilt and remorse for one player as he sees the fourth member of the ‘gang’ watching from the sidelines, unable to join the others having lost a leg in a car crash. The campaign states ‘You crashed the car, your mate has to live with it’.
The campaign portrays a realistic scenario as every year thousands of young people are affected by the consequences of road traffic collisions. Young people are at greatest risk of being injured or killed in road traffic collisions. In 2006 for example, 32,677 17-21 year old car users were killed or injured in Great Britain and 17-21 year olds represented a quarter of car users killed (DfT figures).
The making of the campaign was particularly poignant for Oliver Netherton, the male volley ball player in the film. Two of Oliver’s friends died in a car crash in which the driver survived. Regardless of the cause of the crash, the driver is having to live knowing that two of his friends died whilst in his care.
The film can be viewed at www.best-mate.net and is also being promoted on You Tube, via social networking sites. It will also be supported by radio adverts, outdoor posters, attendance at local college events and advertising on fire appliances across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.
|
| Summer Drink Drive Campaign - 23 July 2008A road safety campaign aimed at 17-24 year olds has been launched today by the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia. The campaign highlights the potential consequences of drink or drug driving to young motorists across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Worcestershire & Herefordshire.
The campaign, called ‘The End’, uses a story board approach to show how choosing to drive having consumed alcohol or drugs could bring ‘The End’ to much of what young people take for granted in their lives.
The campaign aims to show that alcohol and drugs impair an individual’s ability to drive safely, increasing the risk of them causing a collision and injuring or killing themselves or someone close to them.
Driving while unfit due to drugs is against the law - this applies to illegal and prescribed drugs. Many people are probably unaware of the effects of drugs on their driving ability. Worryingly the use of illegal drugs by the younger generation has been found to be increasing. Nearly half of 16 to 24 year olds in England and Wales are reported as using cannabis at least once and 39% reported to having taken hallucinogens (British Medical Association). According to recent research by Auto Trader 30% of 17-24 year old motorists drink and drive and one in five drive while under the influence of drugs.
The campaign also highlights the impact of being caught drink or drug driving; up to 6 months in prison, a minimum 12 month driving ban, a fine of up to £5,000 and a criminal record which could lead to job loss and difficulty finding another job. An endorsement for a drink driving offence remains on a driving licence for 11 years. Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs carries a maximum 14 year prison sentence, a minimum 2 year driving ban and a requirement to pass an extended driving test.
One of the campaign adverts shows a young woman being breathalysed driving home the morning after a night out to highlight that people can still find themselves over the legal drink drive limit the following day.
Research indicates young people are confused by how much they can legally drink before driving. The legal limit in the UK is 80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, but there is no failsafe guide as to how this equates to the amount you can safely drink. The amount and type of alcoholic drink, and your weight, sex, age and metabolism will all play their part. The only way to be really sure you are not impairing your driving ability is to not drink any alcohol if you are going to drive.
Sergeant John Roberts, from West Mercia Constabulary said:
“Enforcing road safety and cracking down on those who take drink or drugs and then drive is a year round commitment for West Mercia Constabulary. However, the summer period can present opportunities - such as barbeques and summer parties - where people may be tempted to drive after taking drink or drugs. This is totally unacceptable and ruins hundreds of lives every year. The message is very simple - if you are drinking at an event or with friends this summer don’t drive and if you are driving then don’t drink. Taking illicit drugs is against the law in any case but if you combine it with driving you become a crash waiting to happen." |
| Camera enforcement starts on Tybridge Street - 20 June 2008The Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia today announced that mobile safety cameras will now be operating along the A44 Tybridge Street, Worcester.
Camera enforcement activity at this site is in response to the number of collisions that have occurred along this stretch of road and the speeds at which motorists are travelling.
On the 400 metre stretch of Tybridge Street there have been 9 recorded personal injury collisions over the past three years (July 2004 to June 2007), one of which was in the killed or seriously injured category.
Speed data gathered in February 2008 also showed that over half of the motorists travelling down this stretch of road were exceeding the 30 mph speed limit, 15% of them travelling over 37 mph.
The Safer Roads Partnership has been working closely with partner agencies Worcestershire County Council and West Mercia Constabulary to address the speeding issues along this stretch of road.
Vicki Bristow, Communications Manager for the Safer Roads Partnership said;
“We are pleased we can now start speed enforcement along this stretch of road. There have been far too many collisions at this site and the speeds some motorists are travelling is unacceptable. We are confident that the presence of cameras at this site will make people more aware of the speed they are travelling and will help reduce collisions.”
ENDS |
| Be Cyclewise - 17 June 2008
The Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia is today launching a new campaign, aimed at cyclists and pedestrians, to help reduce casualties and deaths on the region’s roads.
Over the past three years (2005-2007) 8% of all recorded collisions within West Mercia involved pedal cycles, whilst 12% involved pedestrians. A third of all pedal cycle and pedestrian casualties were in the 10-19 age bracket and last year alone there were 4 fatalities involving cycles and 13 pedestrian fatalities.
Advertising on buses, within leisure centres and cinemas will be running through June and July and the campaign will also be targeting motorists to make them more aware of the risks that are present when sharing the road with other users.
As part of the campaign the Safer Roads Partnership will also be offering ‘Cyclewise’ safety packs - high visibility fluorescent bags containing reflectors, free puncture repair kits and other items to help stay safe on the roads. These will be available from local road safety officers through school cycle training. To tie in with national Bike Week, which takes place next week, 200 lucky people will also have the chance to win one of these during this weekend by either visiting the Safer Roads Partnership stand at the Three Counties Show or from one of the cyclewise mADbikes that will be cycling through Hereford town centre during the whole of Saturday 14th June.
Vicki Bristow, Communications Manager for the Safer Roads Partnership says:
"Cycling and walking is a popular past time within this region, however people need to take care in order to ensure they are doing it as safely as possible. We hope that this campaign will help them be just that bit safer when using the roads.”
Sergeant John Roberts of West Mercia Constabulary said:
"Motorists should be aware of pedestrians near the road or crossing the road and should never assume that their vehicle has been seen or heard. Motorists should be particularly careful when driving past young people, who can be very impulsive and don’t always stop to consider the consequences of their actions. The elderly, or people with disabilities, may not move as quickly as some drivers expect due to difficulties in seeing or hearing approaching traffic or accurately judging speed and distance; motorists need to drive within the speed limit and always slow down when they see someone in the distance crossing the road. Cyclists and motorists both have the right to use the roads in Herefordshire and everyone has the right to a safe and enjoyable journey. Cyclists are much more vulnerable than motorists and need to be given extra consideration especially at junctions and roundabouts where cars change speed, position and direction quickly. When overtaking cyclists motorists should allow plenty of room and be aware that cyclists may swerve out to avoid potholes or other obstacles. To increase their own safety, cyclists should make sure they are visible by wearing bright clothing, riding well clear of the kerb and by always using lights at nights or whenever visibility is poor.”
Steve Burgess, Team Leader for Transportation Planning, Herefordshire Council said;
“Herefordshire Council is strongly committed to supporting walking and cycling and we recognise the important link between these sustainable modes and safety. In supporting this campaign we hope to make these activities even safer, encouraging more people to walk and cycle.”
ENDS
|
| New cameras for Bridgnorth - 25 April 2008The Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia today announced that cameras will now be operating along the A454 and the A458 in Bridgnorth.
Camera enforcement activity at these sites is in direct response to the number of collisions that have occurred along these stretches of road and activity will be carried out in conjunction with ongoing enforcement by West Mercia Constabulary.
On the A454 between Bridgnorth and Shipley there have been 33 recorded personal injury collisions over the past three years, 12 of which were in the killed or seriously injured category. On the A458 between Bridgnorth and Six Ashes during the same period there were 29 recorded personal injury collisions, 14 of which were in the killed or seriously injured category. In total this amounted to 132 casualties, including 6 road deaths.
The Safer Roads Partnership has been working closely with partner agencies; Shropshire County Council, Bridgnorth District Council, West Mercia Constabulary and Shropshire Fire & Rescue and the camera enforcement sites along the A454 and A458 will complement other activities and initiatives taking place within the Bridgnorth District over the Summer months.
Vicki Bristow, Communications Manager for the Safer Roads Partnership said;
“We are pleased we can respond to the public concern regarding these roads. There have been far too many collisions on these roads and we are confident that the presence of cameras at these sites will make people more aware of the speed they are travelling and will help reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured.”
ENDS |
| On Yer Bike! - 17 March 2008 Road Safety Groups in the Midlands are today launching a new campaign, aimed at motorcycle riders, to help reduce casualties and deaths on the region’s roads. Motorcycles last year represented 1% of road traffic but accounted for 18% of all fatalities nationally.
The campaign is aiming to target both motorcyclists and car drivers with the aim of increasing general awareness and offering additional training. Roadside posters are being erected along key motorcycle routes throughout Shropshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Staffordshire & Warwickshire, highlighting routes where both motorcyclists and drivers need to take more care and be more aware.
As part of the campaign free of charge ‘RideCheck’ rider assessment sessions through the Institute of Advanced Motorists will be offered to motorcyclists living within Shropshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire & Staffordshire. RideCheck is a short assessment aimed at everyone who is interested in safer motorbike riding, which takes about an hour and is run by a local IAM group. RideCheck candidates also become an Associate of the IAM, for a period of 12 months which entitles members to regular newsletters, magazines and other offers.
Advertising on bus backs and within local petrol stations will also be running through the rest of March and April in some parts of the region.
Vicki Bristow, Communications Manager for the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia said:
"We have some excellent biking roads through the region and as such this attracts many riders to the area, particularly at weekends and when the weather is good. This campaign is aiming to make motorcyclists and car users more aware of the risks that are present when they are out on the roads and to also increase the level of training on offer to motorcyclists within the Midlands.
Sgt John Roberts, West Mercia Constabulary said;
"Rural areas within our region attract large numbers of leisure motorcyclists using powerful bikes and the majority of collisions involving motorcyclists occur on the fast A and B roads across the area. Many of these type of motorcycle collisions are caused by the riders' lack of skill combined with riding at excessive and inappropriate speeds for the road and conditions.
Encouraging people to ride safely is an important part of West Mercia Constabulary's 'Seven Deadly Sins' road safety strategy and we welcome the IAM initiative which will seek to improve rider's skills and awareness and encourage them to take further training to reduce the risks of collisions. In addition, there also remains a minority of reckless motorcyclists who continue to endanger their own and other's lives by riding in an anti-social and inappropriate manner on our roads. We will be using marked and unmarked cars and motorcycles to target this behaviour and bring prosecutions where necessary as well as focusing on drivers of other vehicles who cause danger for motorcyclists."
|
| Cameras in action on A449 - 20 February 2008The Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia today announced that cameras will now be operating along the A449 Worcester to Kidderminster road.
Camera enforcement activity at this site is in direct response to the number of collisions that have occurred along this stretch of road. In the past three years there have been 21 collisions resulting in personal injury along the stretch from Ombersley to Claines, many of these relating to the misuse of speed and loss of control. Seven of the collisions were in the killed or seriously injured category and 3 resulted in fatalities. These collisions amounted to 35 casualties and 6 deaths.
Camera enforcement at this site is part of a safety package being put together by Worcestershire County Council and other agencies of the Safer Roads Partnership and will be utilising a combination of mobile and static equipment. Enforcement will be taking place within the national speed limit stretch but also backed up by police enforcement activity within the 50mph section.
Vicki Bristow, Communications Manager for the Safer Roads Partnership said;
“We are pleased we can respond to the public concern regarding this road. We are confident that the higher presence of cameras at this site will make people more aware of the speed they are travelling and help reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on this stretch of road.”
Jon Fraser, Worcestershire County Council’s Community and Response Manager, added: “Improving community safety is a County Council priority, and residents and commuters have been calling for measures on this stretch of road. We took over responsibility for the road in October and we're now looking to work with our partners to address those concerns raised by local residents and businesses.” |
| New Drink and Drug Drive campaign launched - 30 November 2007 A new road safety campaign aimed at 17-24 year olds has been launched today by the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia. The campaign highlights the potential consequences of drink or drug driving to young motorists across the region.
The campaign, called ‘The End’, uses a story board approach to show how choosing to drive having consumed alcohol or drugs could bring ‘The End’ to much of what young people take for granted in their lives.
The campaign aims to show that alcohol and drugs impair an individual’s ability to drive safely, increasing the risk of them causing a collision and injuring or killing themselves or someone close to them. Recent research by Auto Trader discovered that 30% of 17-24 year old motorists drink and drive and one in five drive while under the influence of drugs.
The campaign also highlights the impact of being caught drink or drug driving; up to 6 months in prison, a minimum 12 month driving ban, a fine of up to £5,000 and a criminal record which could lead to job loss and difficulty finding another job. An endorsement for a drink driving offence remains on a driving licence for 11 years. Causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs carries a maximum 14 year prison sentence, a minimum 2 year driving ban and a requirement to pass an extended driving test.
One of the campaign adverts shows a young woman being breathalysed driving home the morning after a night out to highlight that people can still find themselves over the legal drink drive limit the following day.
Research indicates young people are confused by how much they can legally drink before driving. The legal limit in the UK is 80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, but there is no failsafe guide as to how this equates to the amount you can safely drink. The amount and type of alcoholic drink, and your weight, sex, age and metabolism will all play their part. The only way to be really sure you are not impairing your driving ability is to not drink any alcohol if you are going to drive.
Cllr Derek Prodger, Worcestershire County Council said:
“The Christmas holiday period should be a joyous time of the year and it would be a tragedy if it is blemished by a drink or drug drive situation. Also pay attention to the morning after, if you drive after drinking the night before you could still be over the limit, it just isn’t worth it”.
Sergeant John Roberts, from West Mercia Constabulary said:
"Enforcing road safety and cracking down on those who take drink or drugs and then drive is a year round commitment for West Mercia Constabulary. However the Christmas and New Year period can present an opportunity where people may be tempted to drive after taking drink or drugs. This is totally unacceptable and ruins hundreds of lives every year. Taking illicit drugs is against the law in any case but if you combine it with driving you become a crash waiting to happen. The message is very simple - don’t mix drink and drugs with driving - it’s simply not worth the risk”.
Chris Blake, Group Manager, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said:
“Firefighters know from first hand experience the trauma involved when a needless road traffic collision occurs. The Fire and Rescue Service now attend around twice as many road incidents as domestic house fires. Unfortunately individuals who are rescued from vehicles alive can suffer long-term scars and/or disabilities for life. We support this campaign and hope people take on board the message over the festive period.”
|
| Speak up to Slow Down - 10 September 2007
The Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia has launched a campaign, aimed at 17 to 24 year olds, to help reduce casualties and deaths on the region’s roads.
The campaign focuses on teenagers and young adults and empowering passengers to speak up when they feel their driver is going too fast. The campaign features hard hitting visuals of the aftermath of a collision.
Billboards, bus, magazine and cinema advertising is running throughout October and the campaign will also be featured in local colleges and at freshers fairs. Posters will also be featuring on Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service fire appliances following a unique link up between the two organisations.
The campaign is targeting a difficult group, but draws on research showing that drivers of that age group don’t make the connection between speeding and dangerous driving and passengers often feel as though they can’t speak up when their driver is driving carelessly. The majority don’t think an accident will happen to them and some even admit to getting a buzz out of driving fast.
Vicki Bristow, Communications Manager for the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia says:“The aim of the campaign is to make this age group more aware of the impact and consequences of speeding and to empower passengers to speak up, particularly when their driver is speeding. We are confident that our link up with Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service will also push this message across and help give the campaign more prominence across Shropshire”.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|