Urge your MP to vote - RoSPA

RoSPA is urging people to seek their MP's support for a Bill coming before Parliament, which would bring lighter evenings all year round - and save hundreds of deaths and serious injuries on Britain's roads.

Tim Yeo's Private Member's Bill goes before the House of Commons on 26 January - and 100 MPs must be present if it is to have any chance of becoming law.

Kevin Clinton, RoSPA head of road safety, said: "RoSPA has led a long campaign to bring lighter evenings to Britain because the system would save about 100 lives and prevent 300 serious injuries annually.

"Mr Yeo's Bill is the opportunity to implement changes which will protect our most vulnerable road users who are more at risk during dark evenings. Every autumn when the clocks go back we see an increase in road deaths and injuries. It is vital that people contact their MPs expressing their support and urging them to be at the vote.

"Opinion polls have consistently shown widespread public backing for the idea and the Government accepts the road safety case. But there are also benefits for health, business and the environment to be reaped from being one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time in the winter and two hours ahead in the summer."

LARSOA is also championing the change to single/double summertime. In October 2006, spokesman David Frost said: "The Government says it is committed to reducing deaths and serious injuries on the roads by 40% by 2010. Introducing double British summertime could go a long way towards reaching this target.

"The Government repeatedly fails to accept this - despite the fact it could have an immediate impact on the pain, grief and suffering of a significant number of families and communities throughout the country."

30.10.06 - RoSPA: 90% back lighter evenings campaign

02.10.06 - LARSOA calls for time change to save lives