DfT publishes 2003 traffic figures
Traffic in Great Britain grew by an estimated 0.8 per cent between 2002 and 2003, according to figures published by the DfT last week in National Statistics on Traffic in Great Britain.

In addition, the latest provisional figures show an estimated growth of two per cent between the second quarters of 2003 and 2004. Taken together, these figures suggest no change in the underlying rate of growth of between one and two per cent since 1999.

The figures show that estimated car traffic levels were virtually unchanged and that goods vehicle traffic and light van traffic increased by an estimated 0.4 per cent and 5.2 per cent respectively. Two-wheeled motor vehicle traffic rose more than any other category by an estimated 10.4 cent.

Statistics bulletins SB(04)32 and SB(04)7 Road Traffic Statistics: 2003 and Traffic in Great Britain Q2 2004 are available from DfT, TSR2, Zone 2/14, Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DR (Tel: 020 7944 3095). The bulletins are available for viewing at the following address: www.dft.gov.uk/transtat/roadtraff
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2004_0112

Open up bus lanes to bikers, report says
The government's Advisory Group Report on Motorcycling has called for extensive research to clarify the position with regard to powered two wheelers using bus lanes (Surveyor, 5 August).

The DfT's present advice recommends against motorcycles being allowed into bus lanes with arguments revolving around the reduction in benefits to buses. But several authorities have allowed PTWs to use bus lanes with no evidence of increased accidents to substantiate the perceived higher risks.

Safe Kids Walking, a not-for-profit social enterprise promoting Walking Bus schemes and high visibility clothing for children, has just launched its own BrightKidz range of high visibility waistcoats and tabards for children.

"We wanted to make stylish children's high visibility clothing easily available to the public, and in particular to parents of children who cycle or use the Walking Bus," said Safe Kids Walking founder Alison Holland.

The items can be purchased from the organisation's sales website, www.brightkidz.co.uk . Alternatively, for further information about Walking Buses visit www.safekidswalking.org.uk or ring 01536 454994.

Tories' cameras plans slammed
Road safety campaign group Transport 2000 has slammed the Tories' policy on speed limits and cameras, claiming it provides comfort to drivers who regularly flout regulations (Surveyor, 5 August).

The Conservatives have said that cameras are only justified if sited in genuine accident black spots - and if they save lives. They have vowed to review all speed limits and introduce 'realistic' limits and abolish 'cash guzzling cameras'.

Transport 2000 pointed to the results of speed camera partnerships that show cameras save lives - and quoted Transport Research Laboratory data highlighting a correlation between speed and road casualties.