New data puts businesses in spotlight
The DfT's annual road casualty statistics, which recorded the purpose of journeys for the first time, show that work vehicles were involved in more than 54,000 crashes in 2005.

Lancashire's Road Safety Group has responded by offering free consultations to help local businesses get to grips with work related road risk. The road safety group offers a range of training programmes through its Drive it Forward initiative to help employers tackle these risks.  

Neil Cunliffe, road safety group manager, said: "With approximately 22,000 serious injuries to employees as a result of 'at work' crashes every year, it is essential employers assess the risks their driver employees face."

For further information contact Martin Crabtree on 01772 530726, or
martin.crabtree@css.lancscc.gov.uk

To download the full DfT report go to: http://www.dft.gov.uk

Review suggests two-year MOT
The government is considering scrapping the annual MOT test in favour of one every two years, according to a report in The Guardian last week.

A review of red tape by Lord Davidson suggests switching to a European model under which cars are first tested when they are four years old, and every two years from then on.

For the full story go to: http://www.guardian.co.uk/

PACTS CEO to chair conference
PACTS chief executive Robert Gifford is to chair a road safety conference to be held in London in January 2007.

The conference, Road Safety: Prevention, Action and Reduction, will look at preventative and reactive measures that can be taken to reduce road casualties. It will address issues highlighted by road safety professionals and offer insight into how to reach some of the high-risk groups.

For further details contact Dave Eastman at Capita Conferences on 020 7808 5309, or dave.eastman@capita.co.uk, or go to  http://www.capitaconferences.co.uk

Red zone spells safety for cyclists

Brighton & Hove council is installing 'cycle advanced stop lines' at 28 junctions. The move will improve cyclists' safety by providing a space in front of queuing traffic, and the addition of red road surfacing reinforces the presence of cyclists to motorists.

The work is part of the Brighton & Hove Cycling Demonstration Town project. Councillor Gill Mitchell, chair of environment committee said: "These measures send a powerful message to motorists that this city welcomes and encourages cycling as an everyday activity."

The council says that since 2003, certain routes have recorded a 79% increase in cycling, with all indications suggesting further growth.

For further information contact Charlotte Welch on 01273 293862, or Charlotte.Welch@Brighton-Hove.gov.uk.

JRSOs enjoy match

Leicester City's football match against Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday was sponsored by the council's road safety team, to coincide with the start of the annual Christmas drink drive promotion.

Junior Road Safety Officers from four schools enjoyed VIP tickets to watch the match through a competition to design a Don't drink and drive promotional message. One of the winning designs formed a full page advert in the match programme.

All Aboard the (second) Walking Bus

St Columbkille's Primary School in Rutherglen has launched a second Walking Bus to encourage more parents to drop their children off away from the school gates, and then walk to class under the supervision of responsible adults.

The school already operates one successful Walking Bus and now a second route has been devised to accommodate even more youngsters and reduce traffic levels.

For further information contact David Wynn on 01698 454359, or David.Wynn@southlanarkshire.gsx.gov.uk.

Road safety calendar now on sale
Brake's 2007 Road Safety Calendar is now on sale priced at £3 per copy. The calendar features road safety pictures by children, and advice for drivers and families on staying safe on roads.

All sale proceeds go to Brake's work work to prevent road death and injury and care for families affected by road crashes.

Call 01484 559909 to place an order.

Danish ad makes road safety sexy

Danish road safety officials have come up with a novel way of warning motorists about the dangers of speeding - by using topless blonde women.

They have produced a spoof news report where the blondes carry road signs showing the Danish speed limit: 50km/h. The video - posted on the web - is aimed at grabbing the attention of young male drivers, but feminists say they hate it.

Julia Pauli, of the Danish road safety council, told the BBC that the reaction to the Speedbandits video had been mostly positive. "If you want to reach the young people, you have to communicate on their conditions... So, topless women are working," she said.

She said the advertising campaign had been tested and in the target group it was really positive. More than 50% said they were thinking more about the dangers of speeding when driving.

Asked if the council would consider using a man exposing his bottom to appeal to speeding women drivers, Ms Pauli said: "Maybe. We'll see."  

To read the full story go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6181788.stm