Businesses and public back Road Safety Week

Date: 21/11/2012

Businesses and members of the public across the UK are backing National Road Safety Week, which aims to reduce the number of people being injured and killed in road traffic accidents.

The initiative is highlighting the steps people can take to help boost the safety of all road users, ranging from drivers and motorcyclist to cyclists, as well as pedestrians.

One of the aims of the programme is to bring about a "legacy of safe walking" through the GO 20 Coalition, which is appealing to drivers to slow down to 20mph around homes, schools and shops.

It is also calling for 20mph limits to become standard across built-up areas - something backed by more than 8,000 children aged seven to 11 who were recently surveyed by Brake.

The poll found that seven in ten youngsters claim they would be able to walk and cycle more if roads in their neighbourhood were less dangerous, while 77 per cent say drivers need to slow down around their home and school.

Furthermore, four in ten said say they have been hit or nearly hit while walking or cycling, and more than half fear they will be hurt by traffic.

According to Brake, by driving at 20mph drivers have much more time to react if a child runs out, while it will also result in lower emissions from vehicle journeys and less pollution.

There are also health benefits, as city-wide 20 mph limits can result in more people walking and cycling.

To promote the event, a number of activities and demonstrations are taking place across the UK, with businesses and the public urged to attend and give their input regarding the safety of the roads in their neighbourhoods and how it could be enhanced.

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive of Brake, said that every person should be able to walk and cycle in their community without fear or threat.

"Critical to this is making our streets and communities safe places we can use and enjoy," she explained.

"Anyone who drives can help bring this about: pledge to GO 20 in communities, even where the limit's still 30: you'll be helping to protect people around you, and you'll hardly notice the difference to your journey."

The scheme will also urge government and local authorities to recognise the need for 20mph zones, in order to ensure a truly nationwide reach.

Posted by Sarah Bailey

Transport Research News and Vehicle Safety News