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Campaign remembers Lost Soles

A campaign highlighting the number of deaths on the roads in the north west was launched last week by LARSOA North West and six regional police forces.  

Lost Soles features a shoe lying in the middle of the road to represent the 350 people killed and 3,713 seriously injured in the north west in 2004. Regional police forces held launch events in Greater Manchester, Liverpool, Cheshire, Carlisle, Blackpool and the Isle of Man on 6 September, during which shoes were laid out to represent the number of people killed and seriously injured in these areas.

Against a backdrop of research showing that over 70% of drivers admit to speeding, the campaign uses the slogan Speed limits are not targets to focus on collisions in which speed is a factor.

LARSOA North West also says that 60% of people believe that driving too fast increases the chances that their partner will crash - and 24% felt angered by their partner's speeding, which they felt was 'irresponsible and stupid'.

"The aim of the campaign is to heighten awareness of the dangers of inappropriate speed and reduce road casualties," said Inspector Brian Wood Greater Manchester police road safety officer. "During the campaign we will be carrying out targeted speed enforcement in areas where the community has genuine concerns. Speeding is anti social as well as a danger to other road users."

For further information contact Clive Naish, regional information officer on 0161 952 4517.