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SCP training DVD proves popular

Dorset's SCP training DVD, Starting to Stop, has now been supplied to over 50 local authorities.  

The resource was produced by Dorset's road safety team to assist with the initial training of new school crossing patrols, but can also be used for ongoing training and development.

RSOs Rob Camp and Neil Fitch, who created the DVD, said: "While the DVD was primarily produced for our own purpose, it was always intended to offer it to colleagues. We are delighted so many authorities have purchased copies and hope to supply more in the future."

For further information contact the road safety team on 01305 224558 or visit http://www.dorsetforyou.com/scptraining

Fall in Cumbrian road deaths

The number of people killed in crashes on Cumbrian roads has fallen to its lowest level for 10 years.

Statistics from Cumbria Police show 44 people died in 2005, compared with 58 in 2004. The number of fatal collisions also fell from 48 to 34.

Superintendent Steve Turnbull said: "We are not complacent about the improvements in 2005. We intend to build upon the foundations that are now in place and seek to reduce still further the number of road collisions and casualties in Cumbria."

The figures also showed no one under the age of 16 died on the county's roads last year.

For the full story go to:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/4592892.stm

Parishioners hire radar speed gun

Shaldon Parish Council in Devon has hired a radar gun to record motorists who are breaking the 20mph speed limit outside the local school.

Villagers intend to use the data to press for a permanent speed camera.

Devon County Council said its data showed no further action was warranted, but occasional checks would be carried out.

While many villagers fear it is just a matter of time before there is a serious accident or fatality, there have been no such incidents recorded.

For the full story go to:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/4584812.stm

Supplier champions high visibility school uniform jacket

High visibility clothing supplier Xinteractive Clothing is offering schools and parents special prices for its Hi Viz uniform jacket, which has proved popular with the London Borough of Lambeth.  

The company says that conventional items such as bibs and sashes are unreliable because children simply do not wear them, or they get lost.

Interactive director Edward Johnson explains that the company's aim is to encourage schools to incorporate the jacket as part of the school uniform. He says that by wearing the jacket a child is protected from the weather, is wearing an item of school uniform, and also becomes 'inherently conspicuous'.

"We invite LARSOA members to contact us should they wish to help promote the adoption of these uniform jackets to schools in their area," he says.

For further information contact Edward Johnson on 01963 220331 or sales@xinteractiveclothing.com

Panto stars back Torbay drink-drive message

Panto stars encouraged pub and club-goers in Torbay to heed the drink-drive message in the run-up to Christmas.

Craig Phillips and Syd Little, who are starring in Aladdin at Torquay's Princess Theatre, helped launch the local drink drive campaign on 9 December.

Licensed premises across Torbay received anti drink-drive campaign materials including key rings, unit calculators, beer mats, posters and table information cards.

RSO Bev Hannah said: "Most people think if they have a sleep or a cup of coffee that they will be fine to drive. But the fact is that the liver, which processes alcohol, can only get rid of one unit of alcohol per hour. This means that anyone who drinks four or five pints of beer or lager in the evening could well be over the drink-drive limit the next morning."

For further information contact Torbay's road safety team on 01803 207677, or highways@torbay.gov.uk

Brake hosts speed conference

The road safety charity, Brake, is hosting a one-day conference on speed at the Royal College of Surgeons in London on 4 May.

In December 2005, the government announced changes to some of its speed management policies, including the funding of speed cameras and a review of speed limits on A and B roads. Government advice on setting local speed limits is currently being updated and new technologies to manage speeds are becoming available.

Speakers will cover a range of topics including speed management and enforcement interventions, policy and campaign updates and practical projects such as 'safe routes to schools' and 'home zones'.

The delegate fee is £125 (+VAT) per delegate.

For further information or to register for the conference contact Brake on 01484 559909, or admin@brake.org.uk

Cambridgeshire cameras catch fewest drivers

Cambridgeshire Safety Camera Partnership (CSCP) issued fines to fewer than 20,000 motorists during the past financial year - the smallest amount of fines issued by any of Britain's camera partnerships.

The fines handed out added up to £1,196,460 and resulted in a surplus of £175,199 - while some areas partnerships recorded a surplus of more than £1 million.

CSCP spokesman Stuart Clarkson said: "In terms of the numbers of people who get fines from being caught by speed cameras, we are the lowest in the country. That is down to us having fewer cameras."

There are 68 fixed speed cameras covering roads in Cambridgeshire and two mobile ones.

Mr Clarkson added that the number of fines being issued has shown a slight decrease on previous years, indicating motorists are obeying the speed limits.

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

Conference will celebrate 10 years of travel planning

The Association for Commuter Transport's 2006 Conference will celebrate 10 years of travel planning in the UK.

The conference, ACT Your Age! 10 Years of Travel Planning, will be held at the Royal Aeronautical Society in London on 21 February.

As travel planning grows up, the conference will debate how best to lead the industry through its adolescence into adulthood. The speaker line up includes some of the best-known names in transport.

The conference will also recognise the most progressive organisations in travel planning through ACT's Commuter Initiative Awards.

For further information or to register contact ACT on
mail@act-uk.com.