Thumbs up from readers

The results of the reader survey conducted recently on this website were extremely positive - and have provided valuable information for developing and improving the site in the future.

Respondents were asked to rate the site for various attributes on a scale of 1 - 5. The top two scores (4 & 5) equate to 'good and excellent'.

Putting the top two scores together the results were: 'Usefulness' - 86%; 'Interesting' - 90%; 'Ease of use' - 87%; and 'Reliability' - 85%.

95% of respondents rated the weekly news service as 'useful/very useful' 87% of respondents visit the site once a week, and 97% want the news service to remain weekly - there was no appetite for a more frequent news update. Of those who receive the weekly email reminder, 95% rated it 'useful' or 'very useful'.

There were a number of comments about the site and some suggested improvements. There were several requests to improve the message board, including flagging up more prominently when a new message/topic is posted. There was also a comment about the site sometimes being slow to open, and the type size being small. There was also a request for an improved search facility.

"This has been a very useful exercise and we are very grateful to the 67 people who took the time to complete the survey," said Nick Rawlings, newsfeed editor. "We are digesting all comments and will be 'refreshing' the website in the next few weeks, taking on board the suggestions that we think will enhance the site. We will definitely be introducing a new, improved message board."

For further information contact Nick Rawlings, nrawlings@stennik.com .

Slow down to 20mph, sign says

New signs designed by children are to be placed outside a Bradford Primary school to encourage drivers to slow down to 20mph.

The sign combines the words '20 is plenty - go slow' with a picture of an elephant.

The area outside Menston Primary School is a newly designated 20mph zone and it is hoped the new signs will encourage drivers to slow down and keep to the new limit. The signs will be put up in the first two weeks of January.  

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth said: "There are already traffic calming measures in place around the school but these signs will hopefully alert drivers to the speed limit and encourage them to keep to the 20mph limit."

Headteacher Mr Ian Jones said: "This will help to raise parental awareness - encouraging everyone to drive safely around the school area. We are really thrilled with the children's enthusiasm in designing the signs which will have more meaning to the pupils because of their involvement."

For more information contact Huma Rahman or Sue Snoddy on 01274 437409.

'That's your limit' say speed signs
Speed limit signs are being put up next to safety cameras in Lancashire in a bid to clarify confusion over how fast motorists can travel.

The signs are being introduced so that motorists are in no doubt as to how fast they should be going.

John Davies, of the Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety, said: "We felt it was important to put signage up close to the cameras so that speed limits were clear.

"There are 292 cameras across the county and we have put signs up next to 95% of them. At the moment, if there is no sign up then the speed camera is not in use."

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

Road deaths have grim price
The death toll on north-east Scotland's roads last year cost the economy around £80million, police said last week.

Each of the 62 deaths is estimated to have cost £1.3million, which includes loss of earnings, insurance payments and the use of emergency services.

Chief inspector Tom Forrester, of Grampian Police, said: "When you take the emotion out of the situation and break it down to the bottom line, this is the cost to the economy - £1.3million for every death. This does not take into account the 180 people who were seriously injured and treated in hospital last year."

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

'Spike' proves popular with DfT and RSOs

A 'Spike the Hedgehog' costume produced by a small company based in Peterborough is in demand from the DfT and road safety teams.

Several authorities have already purchased the costume, and the DFT has acquired four 'Spikes'.

Spike is made from a lightweight and durable paper composite, attached to a hard hat with an adjustable strap. The suit is covered in a medium length luxury fur and fabric spines. Click here to download a full specification.

The price is £1500 for a one off order, which includes delivery

For further information or to order contact Richard Handscombe at the Riverside Costume Studio on 01733 561951, or riversidecostume@btinternet.com

Click here to download Spike's statistics

Instructors sought for riding initiative
Lancashire's Road Safety Group is looking to recruit experienced, qualified motorcycle instructors to deliver assessment rides to the county's bikers.

Instructors interested in joining the team need to have been 'DAS Level' instructors for at least two years and have an advanced riding qualification, which has been taken or refreshed within the last three years.

The role involves delivering practical riding assessments with the opportunity to progress to other schemes. Instructors will deal with a broad range of riders with different skill levels on all types of motorcycles.

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