Please close this window to return to the LARSOA news pages

Staffordshire's 'low-profit' cameras hailed a success

Safety cameras in Staffordshire have been hailed a success after netting the second smallest surplus in the country.

County council spokesman, Richard Caddy , said that the new figures showed that the safety camera network in Staffordshire was working. "We have always said that these safety cameras are not there to make a profit or to catch speeding motorists," he said. "They are there to deter people from speeding in the first place - that is what we want."

Staffordshire's Casualty Reduction Partnership, which runs the county's network of safety cameras, made the second lowest surplus in the country - just £7,458 for the year. Northamptonshire made the lowest surplus of the 35 partnerships - just £2,846.

For the full story go to: http://www.expressandstar.com/

PACTS to host medical condition conference

The DVLA has been considering whether regulations governing driving with a medical condition, and how age affects driving status, are adequate. It has recently commissioned some research into the issue with a view to issuing a consultation on proposed changes to the regime later this year.

This PACTS conference, Driving with a medical condition , fits into the pre-consultation stage. It will hear the issues being considered, the research results and the views of practitioners who would be affected. The DVLA will be seeking views from attendees on possible options for change, although these will remain tentative until any consultation is published.

Anyone with an interest in these issues is welcome to attend the conference, which will take place on 7 February. It is anticipated that delegates will include representatives from road safety, medicine, the police, regulators, motorists' organisations, and organisations that represent older people.

For further information, or to reserve a place, contact William Moy on 0207 222 7732, or william.moy@pacts.org.uk

Volunteer misses celebration

South Lanarkshire's 100 th Kerbcraft volunteer, Amanda Tonner, missed a party in her honour after going into labour.

The ceremony was to be a double celebration, also marking the completion of Kerbcraft road safety training at St Joseph's Primary in Blantyre.

Kerbcraft takes primary two pupils out of the classroom to learn road safety lessons in real life situations. The scheme relies on volunteers to ensure there is a ratio of one adult for every two children.

Amanda was the 100th volunteer to sign up for Kerbcraft. Despite being pregnant, she regularly accompanied groups of pupils from St. Joseph's Primary, including her son Jamie, as they went through the 12-week programme.

Kerbcraft Co-ordinator Alison Hogg said: "Our volunteers are dedicated and turn out in all weather to ensure the children complete the course, but I think Amanda took her commitment to the next level and did not miss a day during the final 12 weeks of her pregnancy. In fact I was beginning to worry that the baby might arrive during a Kerbcraft class."

SID theft puzzle

The theft of a SID road sign, which frowns or smiles at motorists depending on their speed, is puzzling Oxfordshire's road safety team.

The council had hoped the theft was some kind of festive joke and that the device would be found somewhere 'dressed up or decorated'. But the SID has not turned up since it was taken from the A417 on 21 December, and the council has now notified the police who are investigating the incident.

Steve Wood, county speed management strategy officer, said: "Oxfordshire has been using these signs for almost five years. By now drivers should know that these aren't enforcement cameras and they don't record any details of a vehicle being driven too quickly.

"They have been very successful in keeping most drivers within the speed limits, especially in villages. Other than two small rechargeable batteries inside, there isn't anything of monetary value to anyone."

For the full story go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk

The 'mocktail' option

Thurrock Council's RSOs encouraged drivers to try a non-alcoholic 'mocktail' instead of an alcoholic drink during the festive party season.

A professional cocktail maker was on hand at the Civic Offices in Grays on 19 December, and members of the public and council staff were invited to sample mocktails made from fresh fruit juices and other soft beverages.

For further information contact Fiona Stones on 01375 652017, or fstones@thurrock.gov.uk.

Take the bus, council says

Newport City Council and Newport Bus joined forces to encourage partygoers to use public transport over the festive period.  

Bus backs throughout Newport carried the anti drink drive message and warned drivers that there was a good chance that they would be caught if they did drink and drive.

For further information contact Penny Thorpe on 01633 463376, or penny.thorpe@capita.co.uk

www.larsoa.org.uk