Met launches intelligence-led speed crackdown

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's North East Traffic Unit, in collaboration with the London Safety Camera Partnership (LSCP), will be cracking down on speeding drivers during September.

The intelligence-led operation is in addition to normal enforcement and will take place in two boroughs - Waltham Forest and Havering - at sites that have been identified as experiencing excessive and inappropriate speed, or where there has been a high percentage of speed related collisions.  

Highly visible officers will use mobile and static laser speed detection cameras with the aim of reducing collisions in the identified areas. As both the Met and LSCP work alongside the DfT's Think! campaign, they will also be checking for drivers using mobile phones.

Education and awareness will also be a priority during the operation and officers aim to improve road user behaviour by offering advice to drivers on how to make their journey safer.

For further information contact Michelle Doyle, LSCP on 020 7941 2069.

Brake publishes media guide for road safety professionals

In partnership with the DfT, Brake has produced a strategic guide that is being made available free of charge to road safety professionals.

The guide, Getting the road safety message across, includes advice and case studies on subjects including working with television, radio and print journalists, using the internet, organising a successful photo call, and developing a successful media strategy.

Brake is also running a series of seminars for road safety professionals on the topic of media relations, at various locations across the country during autumn 2004 and throughout 2005. The seminars, which will be free to attend, will include guest speeches from regional transport and motoring journalists.

To order your free guide or to register for one of the seminars ring 01484 559909 or email admin@brake.org.uk.

Brake is also keen to hear from senior road safety officers who wish to develop their understanding of the media and then pass on their knowledge to others through 'cascaded' training.

Newsfeed passes 150k hit landmark
The LARSOA/DfT road safety newsfeed reached another milestone when the 150,000 'hit' mark was passed during the course of last week.

The newsfeed was launched in June 2002 and is now firmly established as a source of valuable news and information from the DfT's THINK! team and road safety teams from around the country. The site currently attracts around 1700 'hits' on the homepage and 475 visitors each week.

The newsfeed is jointly funded by LARSOA, the DfT and the Nationwide Building Society (which has agreed to financially support the project until 2007).

"Right from the outset the newsfeed has been enthusiastically received by road safety professionals, many of whom have told us how much they value the weekly service," says Nick Rawlings, who edits the newsfeed. "It's a great project to work on and has been very satisfying to watch the service develop over the past couple of years."

County calls for more 'Lollipops'
An appeal has been launched for public-spirited people to help keep Lancashire's youngsters safe on the roads.

The call comes as the county's School Crossing Patrol Service gears up for the new school year with several vacancies. This means that many crossings will not operate unless people come forward to do the job.

"We desperately need to fill these vacancies - as it is the safety of the children could potentially be at risk," said Ken Speak, manager for Lancashire's SCP Service. "Our 'lollipop' people are highly valued by the local community but in some areas we are finding it incredibly difficult to get anyone to come forward."

For further information please contact Martin Crabtree on 01772 533536, martin.crabtree@css.lancscc.gov.uk

Welcome for local powers to cut speed
Local authorities and transport campaigners have welcomed the arrival of regulations and guidance on home zones and quiet lanes (Surveyor, 26 August).

Councils will be able to designate lower speeds for vehicles and non-traffic uses for local highways under the statutory document issued for consultation last week.

The draft is available at www.dft.gov.uk by clicking on 'local transport' and then 'consultations'.

Back to school - help your teenager stay safe on the roads
Parents of secondary school students in Lancashire are being urged to tackle the biggest killer of people in this age group.

According to the DfT, traffic remains the biggest killer within this age group - and the danger is greater for those just starting secondary school as it is likely that they will be walking, cycling or taking public transport on their own for the first time.

"Many accidents involving pedestrians of this age group are due to them not paying attention," explained Neil Cunliffe, Lancashire's road safety group manager. "We're trying to encourage young people to make sure they are alert on the county's roads."

Lancashire's Road Safety Group has produced a list of ideas for parents to go through with their sons or daughters. The list is as follows:

• Parents should ask their son or daughter to take them on their new school route so that they can talk through possible hazards together.
• Help your teenager plan the safest route to school and explain why it is safer.
• Make sure that your teenager can be easily seen: bright or fluorescent clothes show up best by day, but by night reflective is best.
• Teach your teenager how to spot what drivers are likely to do next e.g. the use of indicators and road signs.
• If your teenager has a bike, make sure they always wear a helmet. As many as a quarter of teenager do not wear them but they can help reduce the chances and severity of head injuries.
• If travelling by car to school, either with you or with a friend's parent, remind your teenager to always use a seatbelt.

For further information contact Martin Crabtree on 01772 533536, martin.crabtree@css.lancscc.gov.uk.