Welcome to Road Safety Wales
18/12/09
A schoolgirl from Porthcawl has won a competition for an anti-drink driving poster for the Christmas and New Year season.
Ten year old Megan Perrin will see her poster appear on local First Cymru buses after she won a competition organised by Bridgend County Borough Council’s Road Safety team. Featuring the message ‘Be full of Christmas cheer, not full of Christmas beer!’, the poster highlights the dangers of drinking and driving, especially over the festive period, and will be seen all over the county borough.
Local schools were invited to take part in the competition, which was organised by the Road Safety team as one of several initiatives designed to promote greater road safety in Bridgend County Borough.
Statistics have indicated that 10,749 drivers were breath tested by the police throughout Wales during their month-long Christmas campaign last year.
16/12/09
2611 people in Wales put their lives at risk by choosing not to wear a seatbelt during this year’s All Wales Seatbelt Campaign.
The 2-week campaign led by Gwent Police, ran from 7 - 20 September and involved South Wales Police, Dyfed Powys Police and North Wales Police. The campaign focussed on education and enforcement.
The educational phase, launched on August 25, gave emergency services the opportunity to raise awareness of the possible consequences of not wearing a seatbelt and the double in price of the fixed penalty notice from £30 to £60.
By force region, the numbers of drivers and passengers issued with a fixed penalty notices for not wearing a seatbelts are:
Overall, 27% (698) of those drivers and passengers were under the age of 25.
Chief Inspector of Roads Policing at Gwent Police, John Pavett said:
“It is disappointing to see that this many people are still choosing to risk their lives and the lives of others by not wearing a seatbelt despite the awareness and education given to drivers and passengers in Wales. We place a strong focus on both education and enforcement during these campaigns and targeted police patrols ensure offenders are caught and penalised.
The overall number of people caught not wearing a seatbelt is lower than last year but no where near what we would like it to be.
It won’t come as a surprise to people to know that a significant number of drivers or passengers killed in road traffic collisions are found to have not worn a seatbelt. It is incomprehensible that people are not learning from these tragedies.
This particular campaign may have come to an end but we will continue to take a pro-active approach all year round to educate motorists and enforce seatbelt laws.”
10/12/09
Having just one or two drinks can impair your ability to drive - remember you don't have to be drunk to be a drink driver.
The drink drive campaign is running across Wales, supported by the Police who will be out in force over the festive season stopping suspected drink drivers. If you're a motorist do not drink and drive this Christmas, or risk the consequences of being caught.
A drink drive conviction can ruin your life.
By having a drink or two then driving you run the risk of:
- Not be able to drive for a year, or even losing your driving licence
- Getting a hefty fine
- Getting a criminal record, or face imprisonment
- Living with the social stigma of being branded a drink driver
- Experiencing lifestyle pressures such as being unable to use your car, losing your job or experiencing relationship difficulties.
- Worst case scenario - you could even kill or injure yourself, your passengers or others.
So, when you're offered another drink, think first. If you keep drinking then leave the car and take a taxi, bus, train or organise a lift.
For help making travel plans visit the traveline Cymru website
For more information visit the Think! Campaign website
9/12/09
The latest National Statistics about young drivers (aged under 25) and road accidents produced by the Welsh Assembly Government were released on 8 December 2009 according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority.
Statistics on young drivers and road accidents include data for Wales for the period up to the year 2008. This is not a regularly updated release which looks at the extent to which young drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents than older drivers. It also looks at the types of accidents that involve young drivers and whether or not these differ from the types of accidents that involve older drivers.
The Bulletin
Statistical Bulletin 76/2009 (PDF 419kB)
The key points from the latest release include:
- Young drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident than older drivers.
- Are more likely to be involved in certain types of accident than older drivers.
- But are not more likely to be involved in a fatal or serious accident, as compared with a slight accident than older drivers.
- Young men are more likely to be involved in an accident than young women, but not to any greater extent than the general tendency of men to be more involved in accidents.
- Road safety is improving for older drivers; it is not improving, to the same extent, for young drivers.
- More 18 and 19 year olds are involved in accidents than other single year age group of young drivers and their involvement in accidents is increasing.
- The Valley authorities and Isle of Anglesey are relative ‘hot spots’ for young drivers’ involvement in accidents.
- Lastly, if a young driver is involved in an accident, then it is less likely to be a fatal or serious accident in more urban local authority areas; more likely to be a fatal or serious accident in more rural local authorities.
7/12/09
A teenager left paralysed after a drink-drive crash that killed three of her friends has spoken for the first time of how the accident ruined her life. Stacey Williams, 17, was the only passenger to survive when the car she was in smashed into a tree, killing her best friend and two other teenagers.
Speaking from her bed at a spinal injuries unit where she’s spent the last nine months, Stacey, from Bangor, said the crash had ended her dream to join the Army. She is paralysed from the waist down, and only has limited movement of her head and arms.
In an emotional first interview she described the moments before the crash. “I remember screaming at my friend to put her seatbelt on,” she said.
“I was screaming at him (Richard Brown) to stop, to slow down, but he wasn’t listening. I had to hide my face because it was horrible.”
Emergency crews found a scene of “horror and carnage” after February’s crash on the A5 in Menai Bridge, but Stacey does not remember many more details about the accident. She was rushed to Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor and later transferred to Alder Hey hospital in Liverpool.
The teenager can’t accept her best friend Elin Rowlands, 15, also from Bangor died when Brown drove at high speed while almost twice over the drink-drive limit. Rebecca Lee, 18, from Bangor and Clifford Jones, 17, from Malltraeth, were also killed.
“I woke up and remember asking why my best friend (Elin) had not been to see me,” she said.
“When I was told she was dead I didn’t believe it. I still don’t believe it to this day. I want to go to Wales to see the graves because in my head I don’t believe they are dead.”
She added: “Everything I’d hoped and wished for, everything I wanted to do, can’t happen now, it’s ruined. My dream was to go into the Army to help people who can’t help themselves. I was going to sign up for 14 years but not any more.”
After being treated in Alder Hey she was transferred to the spinal injuries unit at Southport Hospital. Her family have been constantly at her side.
Dad Kevin described Stacey as an “active, friendly and very fit” girl. Sitting beside his daughter in hospital Mr Williams said: “She was over protective towards her friends and especially her family. This is unbelievable, it’s changed everything.”
Now Stacey, of Trem Elidir, wants schools to teach youngsters how to recognise a drunk or drugged person.
In a hard hitting video, which launched this year's All Wales Anti Drink Drive Campaign, she and her father talk about the effect the collision has had on their lives.
She warns other teenagers: “He (Brown) didn’t act drunk to me, he wasn’t falling over, he looked fine. If not I wouldn’t have gone into the car with him, no way.”
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Ian Shannon said: “There will be a robust approach both before and after Christmas. If you break the law and drive over the limit you not only run the risk of disqualification and a criminal prosecution, you also risk your own life as well as the lives of others.
“We are determined to do everything we can to make the roads safer. We need the support of the public to be able to make a real impact.”
Last year, 10,749 drivers were breath tested in the month-long campaign and 142 were arrested.
Drink drive killer Richard Brown was “showing off” and behaving “recklessly” in the lead up to the crash, a judge said as he jailed him in June.
The 24-year-old of Chapel Street, Newborough, was locked up for 10 years and banned from driving for 12 years after admitting three charges of causing death by dangerous driving and one of drink driving.
Before the fatal crash witnesses saw Brown pass them at an estimated 80 to 90mph in a 60mph zone just before his Citroen went out of control, knocking down two trees on February 28. Tests showed Brown was almost twice the alcohol limit. Mr Justice Davis said he’d driven with indifference about the safety of his passengers.
It emerged Brown had been seriously injured in a previous car crash that nearly killed him in September 2006, and afterwards bought his Citroen with a motability grant. But he didn’t tell the DVLA about his disabling injuries, or that he suffered from epilepsy. If he had, restrictions on the car Brown could drive may have been imposed.
Click here to view Stacey's story on YouTube.
7/12/09
To promote the anti drinking and driving message, schools and youth organisations were invited to devise, perform and record a live action multimedia presentation to warn people of the dangers and/or consequences of drinking and driving.
In this, the second year of the Multimedia Anti Drink Drive Competition, four regional winners were presented with a prize of £500 for the school/organisation they represented and additional prizes given to individual team members. Two Highly Commended awards were also made at the All Wales Anti Drink Drive Launch at the Celtic Royal Hote, Caernarfon, on Thurday 3 December.
| North Wales |
Yale College, Wrexham |
| South Wales |
Bonymaen Project, Swansea |
| Dyfed Powys |
Amman Valley School, Carmarthenshire |
| Gwent |
Abertillery Comprehensive, Blaenau Gwent |
| Highly Commended |
Trecastle Young Farmers' Club, Powys |
| Highly Commended |
Nathan Lloyd Jones, Gwynedd |
Video clips will be uploaded to this site in due course.
7/12/09
As it’s unlikely to be Santa delivering everyone home safely this Christmas, there are probably some very kind-hearted mates out there offering to be the designated driver.
As a thank you for being the friend everyone needs, Coca-Cola are treating the designated drivers out there to a free Coke when they buy the first.
Find your nearest participating pub here
7/12/09
A graphic film highlighting the dangers of texting whilst driving has been shown to students at Coleg Gwent's City of Newport Campus.
PCSO Deke Williams of Newport East Neighbourhood Policing Team, who is based at the campus in Nash, decided to screen the Cow film to the students during their Road Safety Week. Hundreds of students aged between 15 and 60 turned up to watch the widely acclaimed film, which has received millions of viewers on YouTube and was shown on BBC Two Wales last month.
Cow, which stars young actors from south Wales, shows a teenager killing four people in a collision when she uses her mobile phone to send a text. Brynmawr filmmaker Peter Watkins-Hughes produced it for Gwent Police as an educational tool for young motorists.
“After watching Cow myself and being affected by it, I thought it would be a good idea for the students here to see it,” said PCSO Williams.“These film screenings are part of the ongoing partnership between Gwent Police and Coleg Gwent and will hopefully educate drivers of all ages about the dangers of using mobile devices whilst driving. The film has gained global attention because it is very realistic and uses such strong imagery to grab people’s attention. People of all ages really relate to it and many students spoke to me afterwards and said they would never even think about texting while driving again.”
Temporary Head of Learner Services at City of Newport Campus, Ann Johns, said:
"Road Safety Week was a good opportunity to raise awareness of the hazards and dangers on the roads and highlight ways to stay safe. The students found the opportunity to ask PCSO Williams about road safety really useful. They showed a very enthusiastic response to the Cow film which will certainly have a lasting impact on their attitude to staying safe on the road.”
1/12/09
The latest National Statistics on Road Casualties: Drinking and Driving produced by the Welsh Assembly Government were released on 1 December 2009 according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority.
Statistics on Road Casualties: Drinking and Driving include data for Wales for the period up to the end of December 2008.
The Bulletin
Statistical Bulletin 72/2009 (PDF 356kB)
There is a reasonable level of agreement between sources of information about drink driving and accidents. These suggest that drivers with blood alcohol levels above the legal limit for driving (currently 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood) were involved in a significant minority of accidents. The available estimates suggest that one of more drivers over the drink-drive limit were involved in around:
- 1 in 7 fatal accidents in Wales; other figures go as high as 1in 6;
- 1 in 14 serious accidents in Wales; other figures go as high as 1 in 11; and
- A range of between 1 in 14 or 1 in 25 slight accidents.
Other information about drink driving suggests that:
- Drivers over the drink-drive limit were involved in collisions that resulted in 1 out of every 11 of all the people who were killed or seriously injured on the roads;
- Over a quarter of car drivers killed in traffic collisions were over the drink-drive limit;
- However no motorcycle riders killed were over the drink drive limit; and
- There were 149 accidents in 2008 where the reporting police officer considered that a pedestrian(s) being ‘impaired by alcohol’ was a contributory factor to that accident.
Drug driving
- For every ten accidents where the driver was impaired by alcohol, there was around 1 accident where he/she was ‘impaired by drugs’, both illegal and medicinal.
Breath tests of drivers taken after accidents show:
- No marked seasonal pattern in casualties over a year arising from accidents where one or more of the drivers involved tested positive;
- More drivers in accidents test positive on the weekend rather than a weekday, and that they are more likely to test positive after traditional working hours, between 16:00 to 04:00; and
- There is some clustering of drink driving in Wales.
24/11/09
Following on from the huge success of last year, the three Fire and Rescue Services and Police Forces in Wales will be teaming up again this year to take serious action to educate the public about road safety through ‘Operation Options’ - a week long road safety effort taking place between 23rd – 27th November.
During Road Safety Week, which is co-ordinated by Brake the road safety charity, Operation Options will be used to educate the public on how small changes to their driving can keep themselves and others alive.
Police officers will be positioned outside Fire Stations in towns and cities that statistically have some of the highest levels of Road Traffic Collisions in Wales. These police officers will then stop any drivers who are observed not to be wearing seatbelts and offer them a choice:
Option 1: The offender can agree to pay the fixed penalty fine or
Option 2: The offender can attend the Fire Station and watch a ten minute presentation on the devastating consequences of not wearing a seatbelt.
Statistics
In South Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s area, 171 motorists were stopped by police officers outside seven different Fire Stations during Road Safety Week (2008).
All those stopped were not wearing a seatbelt, while driving or a passenger not wearing a seatbelt.
When given the option, just three people opted for the fine and 168 people preferred to come through the doors of the Fire Stations and watch a hard-hitting, 10-15 minute presentation.
100% of those who attended the presentations said they would tell others about it and 98% said it had changed their perception of the dangers of driving without a seatbelt.
In the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service areas, the following Fire Stations were targeted:
Merthyr Tydfil, Tonypandy, Cardiff Central and Barry (South Wales Police area) which resulted in 90 offenders being stopped by police.
Caerphilly, Abercarn and Ebbw Vale (Gwent Police area) which resulted in 78 offenders being stopped by police.
Group Manager Rob Morris, Head of Road Safety for South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said,
The week proved to be a huge success in getting through to some very at-risk motorists who were not wearing seatbelts whilst driving.
It’s very encouraging that 100% of offenders felt that this campaign was worthwhile and a greater deterrent than the enforcement approach and would also influence their behaviour in the long term.
Due to last year's success, the three Fire and Rescue Services and four Police Services will be teaming up again this year to educate the public about road safety via ‘Operation Options’.
On average 75% of those who took part in the presentation were male and 65% were aged over 25.
Road Safety Manager for South Wales Police, Wayne Tucker said,
Last year Road Safety Week proved to be a great success in Wales and shows how education can be just as effective, if not more effective, than enforcement.
We hope the drivers who watch the hard-hitting video this year, will pass the message onto their friends and family that wearing a seatbelt will save your life.
When stopping the offending drivers, police officers were not surprised to hear the age-old excuses, which ranged from “I forgot” to “I’m having a bad day! After all the campaigning and publicity, there are no excuses left.
The truth is that when you get into a car, you’re responsible for a potentially lethal weapon. Do not put yourself, your passengers and other road users’ safety into jeopardy.
Sergeant Martin Wilce, Gwent Police Collision Investigation Unit said;
Last year we were encouraged by the fact that nearly all the motorists who were stopped and chose to watch the presentation changed their perception about how important it is to take simple road safety measures such as wearing a seatbelt.
However, it is still very concerning that people are still choosing to risk their own safety when behind the wheel as well as that of their passengers and other road users.
23/11/09
The concert for this year’s Road Safety Music Challenge Final took place at The Blake Theatre, Monmouth on 9th November. Five Comprehensive Schools were represented from Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Monmouthshire. The competing bands and soloist performed their compositions to a very high standard on an Anti Drink-Drive theme with the audience responding enthusiastically.
The winners were decided by a panel of three judges, all with excellent knowledge and experience of music and interpretation of a message. The judges were Polly James from Nation Radio, Steve Baker from RoSPA and St John Diston from Gwent Music.
The winning bands were:
Lewis School Pengam, who won £250
Abertillery Comprehensive, who won £150
Nantyglo Comprehensive, who won £100
The prizes were presented by Chief Superintendent Kevin Price of Heddlu Gwent Police who said, “The high standard and amount of effort put in by these young people is very impressive. They are promoting an important message. For many years we have tried a range of strategies to get the anti drink drive message over. Music is a powerful medium and these musicians are in a position to influence their peer group, families and the wider community. They are our future and I seek their support in getting over this important message.”
The event was attended by dignitaries from all over Gwent. Cllr John Evans, Mayor of Caerphilly CBC said, “The standards shown by the students this evening have been absolutely superb. I am glad that I’m not one of the judges as choosing the winner will be very difficult!” He was delighted to find later that the winning band came from a Caerphilly school.
Also in the audience were teachers, parents and friends who all supported the pupils taking part by getting into the spirit of the event.
The winning band will have the opportunity to record their song at a commercial recording studio. It will also be used as the basis of an advertisement on Nation Radio to promote the All Wales Anti Drink- Drive Campaign from the 3rd December 09.
Helen Davidson, project manager of Music Challenge for Capita Symonds said, “Engaging with this age group can be difficult but music has helped the barriers come down. The depth of understanding within the lyrics is very impressive, I am sure none of the performers and their friends will ever drink and drive now.
23/11/09
Motorists are being targeted in a new safe driving campaign aimed at getting parents to drive more safely and set a good example to their children.
The 'For Their Sake' campaign includes posters which have gone up on the back of buses in Swansea and at bus shelters across the city highlighting bad habits committed by thousands of drivers every day.
Acts such as speeding, texting at the wheel and not wearing a seatbelt are still common factors with drivers even though they are all illegal.
Swansea Council's Road Safety Team is hoping to reinforce the safety messages to motorists by highlighting the fact that often children sat in vehicles are watching what their parents are doing and are likely to copy them later in life.
Jeff Green, County Road Safety Officer in Swansea Council said, "Children sat in the rear of vehicles can easily see what is going on when parents are at the wheel. If they can see that the parents are speeding, texting or not even wearing a seatbelt, they may think its ok.
"Hopefully the 'For Their Sake' campaign will strike a chord with parents and make them more aware that their children pay attention to what they do and that they need to set a good example behind the wheel."
Backing the campaign, South Wales Police Road Safety Manager Wayne Tucker said, "It is clear that some people are still ignoring the fact that not wearing a seatbelt, driving while using a mobile or speeding could kill you.
"We are committed to reducing deaths on our roads and would urge everyone to drive responsibly and it is vital that parents set a good example."
23/11/09
Police are asking drivers to slow down and drive according to the weather conditions. With wet spray and severe winds, motorists need to slow their speed, drive carefully and be patient with other road-users.
Following the recent rainfall, river catchments in most parts of Wales and England are already saturated and are expected to respond quickly to further rainfall.
Wayne Tucker, the South Wales Police Road Safety Manager said,
“In bad weather conditions, it’s a good idea to leave earlier in the morning to allow for slower traffic movement on the roads and allow time in the morning to clear mist or ice from the windows.
“Be safe, and slow down on the roads. Wet and windy weather gives dangerous driving conditions with slower breaking times and risk of aquaplaning. Drive slowly through water and only if you know how deep it is.
“Rain and water spray also causes poor visibility on the roads so keep your headlights on throughout the day.
“When the weather turns to autumn and winter, it is always a good idea to check your vehicle’s condition, such as oil, water, tyres and brakes and make sure that the windscreen and lights are free from dirt and debris.
“Finally, you could face a hefty fine and between three and nine penalty points if police officers believe you were driving without reasonable consideration to other road-users. Worst of all, if you cause a road traffic collision, you could kill or seriously injure an innocent driver, kill or injure yourself or your passengers, which could, if found guilty, result in a prison sentence.”
The message from South Wales Police is “drive safe this winter”.
18/11/09
Students have been given an insight into road safety matters in a bid to change their attitudes and behaviour. A Road Safety event was held yesterday (Tuesday, 17th November) at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor in Glynllifon.
Over 200 students attended the day which included presentations and exhibitions from North Wales Police, the Welsh Ambulance Service, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Gwynedd Council, Go Safe and Bikesafe.
Organised and facilitated by the college and Sergeant Emlyn Hughes from the Western Roads Policing Unit, the purpose of the event was to highlight the risks and dangers posed to young drivers, who are one of the most vulnerable group of drivers.
Sgt Hughes said: “We hope the event has encouraged young people to exercise greater responsibility for themselves, peers and other road users whilst driving.
“By working in partnership with other agencies, we want to get across to young drivers messages such as the dangers of not wearing a seatbelt, driving too fast and using mobile phones.
“The attendance was fantastic and the students showed a great interest in some of the sessions we provided – including a demonstration by the Fire and Rescue Service.”
During the day inputs were given by Paramedic Dermot O’Leary from the Welsh Ambulance Service and Gwynedd Council’s Road Safety Manager, Colin Jones who gave a presentation on Green Road Technology which aims to improve driving standards.
Colin Jones, Gwynedd Council’s Road Safety Manager added: “Gwynedd Council, the police and other emergency services are crucial partners in delivering road safety interventions such as the one held at Coleg Glynllifon.
“It is a sad fact that the younger adult age groups are disproportionately likely to die on the roads, with the 16 – 29 age group accounting for over a third of all deaths. Road collisions account for around 30% of all deaths of 15 – 19-year-old and around 17% of all deaths of 20 – 29 year-olds.”
Welsh Ambulance Service Paramedic Dermot O’ Leary said: “I wholeheartedly endorse the efforts of all agencies that have been here today. Any opportunity in communicating with young people such as this is a plus.”
The students were also given an opportunity to see the equipment used by Paramedics in the event of a collision and talk to PC Gerallt Davies from the Collision Investigation Unit.
One of the students who thought the day was very worthwhile was 22-year-old Llion Jones. He said: “I’ve learned stuff today that you don’t learn after you’ve passed your driving test. The day has been really interesting.”
Site Director Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, Eurwyn Edwards said: “This has been an extremely important event to highlight the potential dangers and risks to young drivers.
“We’ve had similar events in the past which have been on a smaller-scale and I would like to thank Rhiannon Hulse from the college who has assisted with organising the day.
He added: “The practical demonstrations of realistic events has hopefully brought home some of the realities and hopefully, many of the young people have taken this on board.”
The photograph shows PC Gerallt Davies from the Collision Investigation Unit talking to some of the students.
16/11/09
Police in Pembrokeshire are targeting children in a bid to get a safety message across to their parents. The roads policing unit are concerned they are still issuing fixed penalty notices to adults for not wearing seatbelts despite numerous awareness and enforcement campaigns.
Police are now issuing a leaflet to every school child in the county along with a covering letter for their parents.
Inspector Andy Phillips said: “We have carried out numerous enforcement campaigns and it's disappointing that we are still finding adults putting their lives at risk by not wearing seat belts.
“In the first nine months of this year we issued 350 fixed penalty notices to people not wearing their seatbelt and this is just the number of those we have taken action against.
“The message is clear – wearing seatbelts saves lives. We are hoping this simple message is taken on board by the children and they pass it onto their parents ensuring they clunk click when next in the car.”
The campaign was launched at St Florence School by Anna Ryder Richardson, the Junior Road Safety Officers and the School Council.
11/11/09
17-year-old Catrin Selway of Old Colwyn, is the latest recipient of the Pass Plus Cymru £250 quarterly prize. Catrin’s name was drawn from a list of all participants who returned their evaluation form on completion of the course. Her Pass Plus Cymru ADI was Dean James of Progress Driving School.
The prize was donated by GEM Motoring Assist. Their Chief Executive Officer, David Williams said ‘We are delighted to donate the prizes for this safer driving initiative, which gives novice drivers additional training. I feel sure that Pass Plus Cymru will help to contribute to making Welsh drivers of tomorrow more aware, considerate and safer.
On receiving her prize Catrin, who is a trainee hairdresser, said, “I thoroughly enjoyed the extra training that Pass Plus Cymru game me and picked up a lot of useful tips and advice as a new driver. I recommend it for all those who have just passed their test”
'Cow' Film To Be Aired On BBC Wales
2/11/09
Cow, the film designed to stop people texting while driving, will be shown in full on BBC2 Wales tonight, Monday 2 November at 10.00pm.
The dramatised depiction of the dangers of texting while driving, tells the story of a fictional 17 year old, Cassie Cowan, who is distracted for a few seconds while driving with two friends. She causes a devastating crash which kills her friends, and another couple.
A taster clip of the DVD can be viewed via the Gwent Police website. Click here
Originally developed by Tredegar Comprehensive School, Gwent Police and Brynmawr filmmaker Peter Watkins-Hughes, this is the film's world TV premiere.
BBC 2 Wales is available on Sky Channel 991.
Click here for BBC iPlayer. Available until 10:29pm Monday 9th November 2009
28/10/09
Four Neath Port Talbot pupils have been praised for helping put the Anti Drink Drive campaign wheels in motion.
 |
Mayor Cllr Mrs Pam Thomas and winning students |
The students from four Neath Port Talbot schools met with Neath Port Talbot Council Mayor to showcase the beer mats they designed to carry the Summer Anti Drink Drive Campaign messages.
The winning designs were transformed into more than thirty thousand mats carrying the four students' messages and were distributed to hotels and public houses throughout the county borough displaying the prominent message that drinking alcohol and driving does not mix and often results in serious accidents.
Branwen Lewis of Cwmtawe Comprehensive School, Chloe Morgan of Glan Afan Comprehensive, Hannah Clarke of Dyffryn Comprehensive and Mollie Marron of Glan Afan Comprehensive, reached pole position after beating off stiff competition from more than 200 entrants.
Mayor Pam Thomas said the partnership between the County Road Safety Team and the students from our local schools has been a great success.
"The standard of the entries was extremely high and the judges had some difficulty in deciding the designs selected to be taken forward into production," she said. "We are grateful for the pupil's assistance in the initiative that has run throughout the summer months.
"Their designs were not only outstanding, they carried an important message."
The pupils in the photo from left to right are as follows:
Mollie Marron Glan Afan Comprehensive School
Chloe Morgan Glan Afan Comprehensive School
Hannah Clarke Dyffryn Comprehensive school
Unable to attend: Branwen Lewis Cwmtawe Comprehensive school
28/10/09
Corus staff have been helping Neath Port Talbot Council's Road Safety team drive home the message of safe and responsible motoring.
 |
Richard James, Managing Director Uday Chaturvedi
and Roger Maher. |
The steel giants have been working closely with the team to highlight the importance of wearing safety belts in the workplace and on the public highway and have helped hammer home the anti drink driving message.
This relationship has helped the company on its way to winning a Road Safety Wales award for their ground breaking initiatives to improve road safety in the workplace and community.
With over fifty thousand vehicle movements weekly on to their sites, traffic collisions and incidents of poor driving behaviour were becoming a matter of concern to the Tata owned company who took the lead in engaging with the work staff, families and friends in raising awareness of driving issues.
As a result of becoming involved with the Pass Plus Cymru and Bikesafe initiatives, which are coordinated by the Authority, the number of incidents of poor driving has fallen and the messages have been reaching the wider community.
Council leader Ali Thomas said: "The effort made by our local steel industry to raise the driving standards on site has been outstanding.
"Not only has the road safety message reached all of the staff and contractors, it has been spread further by family involvement in Pass Plus Cymru and motorcycle Bikesafe which has reflected on raised standards in driving on the roads in the Neath Port Talbot local authority area.
"This is a positive step forward in investing in road safety and Corus are to be applauded for their initiative and the well deserved award from Road Safety Wales"
20/10/09
Neath Port Talbot Council experts will be handing out specialist advice this week to anyone who has a child car seat. As well as advice, special safety tests will be carried out at venues throughout the county borough.
Council Leader Ali Thomas said, "It is important people check that their car seat is fitted and used correctly."
He added, "Child car seats can dramatically improve the safety of children in the car. But unfortunately, about 80% of car seats fitted in Neath Port Talbot are incorrect. Unknowingly parents could be putting the lives of their children at risk.
I would urge anyone who is interested to come along to Morrisons stores at Neath and Port Talbot and Tesco Pontardawe this week for their free car seat check."
Car seats will be tested from 9am until 3pm on Tuesday 20th October at Morrisons Neath, and at the same times on Wednesday 21st October at Morrisons Port Talbot and Thursday 22nd at Pontardawe Tesco.
19/10/09
Newly enrolled students at colleges in Swansea have been targeted by road safety officers to help them become better drivers.
Swansea Council's Road Safety Team gave away copies of the Highway Code and passed on safe driving tips to hundreds of young drivers at Freshers Week events across Swansea.
The team is hoping the work will lead to a reduction in the number of road accidents in Swansea involving 16 to 25-year-olds. The latest figures show a steady decrease in the number of road-related collisions involving young people between the ages of 16 and 25. In 2006 the figure stood at 410. This has now been reduced to 300.
Jeff Green, Swansea Council's Casualty Reduction Officer, said: "Events such as Freshers Week are perfect for us to access young drivers and pass on tips to them about staying safe behind the wheel.
"We are seeing a decrease in the number of 16 to 25-year-olds involved in road accidents. Our aim is to further reduce this number."
One lucky student, Tom Bennett from Gorseinon College, also picked up £100 worth of Top Man vouchers in a competition organised by the team during the event.
And as well as students enrolling on college courses during the week, they were encouraged to enrol in the Pass Plus Cymru safe driving course which provides young, new drivers with extra guidance once they have passed their tests.In Swansea more than 500 young drivers between the ages of 17 and 25 have completed the course in the last three years.
The course, which has been running in partnership with officers from the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service from Morriston Fire Station since September 2006, aims to promote road safety to newly qualified young drivers aged between 17 and 25 by enhancing their knowledge, skills, attitude and understanding through the provision of theoretical and practical driving instruction.
Participation in the course can also give young drivers access to cheaper insurance.
16/10/09
To promote the anti drinking and driving message, schools and youth organisations are invited to devise, perform and record a live action multimedia presentation that will warn people of the dangers and/or consequences of drinking and driving.
Competition guidelines:
1. There should be a maximum of 6 performers.
2. Team members must be aged between 11 and 25.
3. The presentation should be under 3 minutes in length and can use a range of media including any of the following:
• Musical performance
• Drama/Sketch
• Poetry/Oration
• Animation
• Documentary
• Comedy
• Dance
4. The presentation must be filmed and submitted on video or DVD with contact details provided.
5. The presentation will be judged under the following criteria (not in priority):
a. Originality
b. Message
c. Performance
d. Impact
The winning entry for each County will receive prizes from their local authority. The winning entry will then be submitted to the Regional Competition. Winners of the Regional Competition will receive £500 for the school/organisation they represent and individual team prizes. Nationally, the four Regional winning entries will be invited to receive their prize and give the presentation at the All Wales Drink Drive launch in Caernarfon on Thursday 3 December (all expenses will be covered).
Judging for the national competition will take place on Monday 9 November 2009.
Interested groups can contact their Road Safety Officer click here
View 2008 competition entries here
05/10/2009
2611 people in Wales put their lives at risk by choosing not to wear a seatbelt during this year’s All Wales Seatbelt Campaign. The 2-week campaign led by Gwent Police, ran from 7 - 20 September and involved South Wales Police, Dyfed Powys Police and North Wales Police. The campaign focussed on education and enforcement.
The educational phase, launched on August 25, gave emergency services and local authorities the opportunity to raise awareness of the possible consequences of not wearing a seatbelt and the double in price of the fixed penalty notice from £30 to £60.
By force, the numbers of drivers and passengers issued with a fixed penalty notices for not wearing a seatbelts are:
Overall, 27% (698) of those drivers and passengers were under the age of 25.
Chief Inspector of Roads Policing at Gwent Police, John Pavett said:
“It is disappointing to see that this many people are still choosing to risk their lives and the lives of others by not wearing a seatbelt despite the awareness and education given to drivers and passengers in Wales.
We place a strong focus on both education and enforcement during these campaigns and targeted police patrols ensure offenders are caught and penalised.
The overall number of people caught not wearing a seatbelt is lower than last year but no where near what we would like it to be.
It won’t come as a surprise to people to know that a significant number of drivers or passengers killed in road traffic collisions are found to have not worn a seatbelt. It is incomprehensible that people are not learning from these tragedies.
This particular campaign may have come to an end but we will continue to take a pro-active approach all year round to educate motorists and enforce seatbelt laws.”
25/9/09
Detailed road casualty figures published today demonstrate that speeding is a serious problem on Britain’s roads, particularly among young men, says the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
Speed-related factors (exceeding the speed limit or travelling too fast for the conditions) were reported in relation to 211 deaths of 16-25-year-old men on Britain’s roads in 2008 – accounting for 41 per cent of road fatalities in this group. Across all road users, speed-related factors were cited in relation to 586 road deaths – accounting for 25 per cent of fatalities on Britain’s roads.
The Department for Transport’s report into the contributory factors to road accidents in Britain in 2008 also shows that continuing efforts to encourage drivers and riders to undergo refresher training are needed. Four of the five most frequently-reported contributory factors were a driver or rider error or reaction.
Failing to look properly was once again the most commonly reported factor in accidents of all severities (being cited in 37 per cent of accidents – up from 35 per cent in 2007).
Loss of control was the most commonly reported factor in fatal accidents (reported in 32 per cent of accidents which resulted in a death).
The other contributory factors in the top five across all severities of road accident were: failing to judge other person’s path or speed; careless, reckless or in a hurry; and poor turn or manoeuvre.
Overall, the number of people killed on Britain’s roads reached a record low in 2008. A total of 2,538 lives were lost (down from 2,946 in 2007). There were 26,034 serious injuries and 202,333 slight injuries. Disappointingly, the number of child deaths rose from 121 in 2007 to 124 in 2008.
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA head of road safety, said: “Despite the very welcome drop in road deaths and injuries, these figures continue to show that basic driving skills and attitudes are behind most road deaths. It is clear that we must continue our efforts to encourage drivers to watch their speed and we must state clearly that road accidents caused by a driver or rider error, whether that is failing to look properly, failing to judge another person’s speed or losing control, are preventable.
“Even though the number of deaths and injuries on our roads has fallen, there are still too many lives devastated by road accidents.
“We all need to maintain our driving skills and RoSPA recommends that everyone takes refresher training.”
26/8/09
19-year-old Geraint Phillips a Bristol University medical student from Birchgrove, Swansea is the winner of the Pass Plus Cymru quarterly prize. Geraint’s name was drawn from a list of all participants who returned their evaluation form on completion of the course. GEM Motoring Assist’s Chief Executive Officer, David Williams said ‘We are delighted to sponsor these prizes for a 2nd year. Any initiative that gives novice drivers extra training and support deserves encouragement and GEM Motoring Assist is delighted to invest in safer and more responsible driving.” www.motoring assist.com
On receiving his prize Geraint said, “I thoroughly enjoyed the extra training that Pass Plus Cymru gave me and picked up a lot of useful tips and advice as a new driver. I recommend it for all those who have just passed their test”
The course which has been running from Morriston Fire Station since September 2006 aims to promote road safety to newly qualified young drivers aged between seventeen and twenty-five by enhancing their knowledge, skills, attitude and understanding through the provision of theoretical and practical driving instruction.
Station Manager David Phillips said "The Fire and Rescue Service attend many incidents where people are seriously injured or killed as a result of a road traffic collision. We believe that by educating young and newly qualified drivers we can hopefully influence them to become better and more responsible drivers and over the longer term we will see a substantial reduction in the number and severity of such incidents. Pass Plus Cymru is one of a number of very successful road safety schemes we run in partnership with the Police and Road Safety Teams"
The cost of the whole course is £20, a massive discount from the normal cost of between £120 and £150. This is made possible by a road safety grant from the Welsh Assembly Government via the City and County of Swansea’s Road Safety Team.
Jeff Green, County Road Safety Officer said "If anyone in your family is a newly qualified driver living in Wales, I would urge them to reserve a place on the next available Pass Plus Cymru Course by visiting www.dragondriver.com Each candidate undertaking a course in Swansea will also receive an emergency breakdown kit after completing their theoretical training session.’
25/8/09
“Your seatbelt can save your life” - this is the important message that Welsh emergency services hope all drivers and passengers will take away from this year’s All Wales Seatbelt Campaign.
Gwent Chief Constable and National ACPO lead for Roads Policing, Mick Giannasi will be launching the campaign at Tesco, Ebbw Vale at 11.30am on Tuesday 25 August.
From September 7, 2009 Gwent Police will lead the All Wales Seatbelt Campaign warning motorists and passengers that they are risking their lives by not wearing belts and issuing fixed penalty notices to those who choose to flout the law. The two-week campaign involving Gwent Police, South Wales Police, Dyfed Powys Police and North Wales Police will run from Monday September 7, 2009 until Sunday September 20. The first week of the campaign coincides with a similar Europe-wide campaign by TISPOL, the European Traffic Police Network.
Teaming up with Capita Symonds and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the police-led campaign will focus on education, to raise awareness of the dangers and possible consequence of not wearing a seatbelt, and enforcement. Officers will be out on the roads stopping and fining drivers and passengers of all ages not wearing seatbelts.
Motorists and passengers who chose to risk their lives by not taking the simple step of wearing a seatbelt could receive a Fixed Penalty Notice – the price of which has recently doubled from £30 to £60 – or be summonsed to court where they could face fines of up to £500.
As an alternative to prosecution, motorists and passengers will be given the opportunity to attend a showing of a film on the dangers of not wearing seatbelts.
2866 people were caught not wearing seatbelts in the 2008 campaign which ran between September 8 and 21.
Gwent Police Roads Policing Inspector Lee Ford said:
"We run seatbelts campaign every year and although the majority of people understand the risk they face by not wearing a seatbelt there are those who continue to ignore the dangers. Seatbelts can be the difference between life and death and every year in Wales people die needlessly because they are not wearing them. We are determined to target the problem. There will be a particularly strong emphasis on seatbelt use during the two-week campaign, but education and enforcement will continue all year round. By taking the simple step of fastening their seatbelts drivers and passengers can significantly increase their chances of survival in a collision. The extra care and couple of seconds to click it into place is undeniably worth it.”
Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Kevin Barry, from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service added:
"Like all Emergency Service workers, Firefighters attend road traffic collisions every day, and have to deal with horrendous and disturbing scenes. We welcome this chance to join our policing colleagues in emphasising how important it is to use your seatbelt - it could save your life".
Dyfed Powys Police Road Safety Officer Susan Storch said:
"Wearing a seat belt is such a simple, easy thing to do. Unfortunately, police officers see the consequences of driving without a seat belt all too often at crash scenes.
"While you'll face a fine if you are caught without your seat belt on, the key message we are trying to get across is that wearing a seat belt really could mean the difference between life and death - and that applies just as much to passengers as it does to drivers."
24/8/09
The safety performance of a child seat is a critical piece of information for a parent or carer who is about to make a purchase. Improvements in the effectiveness and safety performance of child restraint systems will save lives and reduce serious injuries. So says TRL, the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory, who have launched a new independent safety rating system for child seats in vehicles, to better inform consumer choice when purchasing a child seat.
All child seats sold in the UK meet minimum Regulatory Standards for safety, but with 6000 children between the ages of 0 and 11 injured in cars each year and over 250 killed or seriously injured, it is important to understand the safety performance levels of the large number of different products. This is even more vital when parents are buying in tougher economic times and wish to ensure best possible choice within their available budget.
TRL, recognising the importance of child seats and the role they play in reducing casualties and serious injuries, has launched its new independent five star rating scheme for child restraint systems. Its Child Safety Centre has been carrying out research and development for manufacturers, retailers and Government for over 30 years, related to improving protocols and test methods that will be applied in the UK and internationally.
The new rating scheme provides rigorous and independent performance ratings for all seats tested, enabling consumers to make comparisons and informed decisions on which product best meets their requirements. Stars will be awarded – from one star through to a maximum of five stars – and ratings will be publicly available on TRL’s web site (www.trl.co.uk) which will hold all the latest information.
TRL ratings will clearly present individual products’ safety in terms of an overall star rating, as well as front and side impact and usability performance. All child restraint systems tested will have already achieved Regulatory Approval to R44 - a minimum mandatory requirement for sale in Europe. However, R44 offers no differentiation of product quality or effectiveness to the consumer. Additionally, within R44 there is no assessment of side impact performance which is considered to be of great importance.
Marianne Hynd, Head of TRL’s Child Safety Centre sees the rating scheme as a great step forward; “Safety in the car is essential and despite the welcome fall in road casualties announced recently by the Department for Transport, we are still seeing far too many young children killed or seriously injured while travelling in cars. The law says all children below the age of 12 and under 135cm must use an appropriate baby, child or booster seat during every car journey. This new rating scheme will help parents and carers make the right decision when purchasing a child restraint system to protect their most precious cargo.”
The launch follows extensive consultation with retailers, manufacturers and consumer authorities. It is expected that the scheme will allow the best manufacturers to showcase their products under an independent rating system.
The rating certificate for each child restraint system tested will be posted on TRL’s website for public reference. The distinctive new rating mark will also be available on the product, packaging, and publicity material to help the customer. An official launch of the test ratings will take place next year.
24/8/09
A shocking video has been made for pupils in an attempt to stop car crashes caused by the driver texting while driving. The short film, starring young actors from south Wales, shows a teenage girl killing four people after she uses her mobile phone to send a text. Gwent Police said it hoped the graphic video would be shown in schools around Wales and hopefully the rest of the UK.
Research has shown texting while driving slows reaction time by 35%.
The film by Peter Watkins-Hughes has also been posted on video sharing website You Tube. It shows in slow motion a crash caused after a girl, called Cassie, briefly loses concentration of the road while looking at her mobile. It also includes footage of all the emergency services attending the crash scene, including the air ambulance and firefighters.
Gwent Police said it facilitate the crash between two cars in a bid to prevent future accidents caused by all people, but particularly young and new drivers.
Lyn Samuel, Gwent Police's school liaison co-ordinator, said the film was a "very impactive road safety educational tool to help reduce the number of collisions involving young drivers across Wales".
Ch Insp John Pavett from Gwent Police Roads Policing Unit said texting and driving was happening on roads all over the country, despite the fact it is illegal.
He said: "I hope that after watching this film motorists will think twice before picking up their mobile phone when behind the wheel and realise that a quick reply to a text message or answering a phone call is never worth putting theirs and other people's lives at risk."
Recent RAC Foundation research showed reaction times slowed by 35% when 17 to 24-year-olds drove while reading and writing text messages. And its research last year showed that texting while driving impairs motorists more than being under the influence of drink or drugs. It said nearly 50% of drivers aged between 18 and 24 texted while driving.
As well as reaction times being slower, it said texters often drifted out of lanes, had poorer steering control and the overall driving performance was poor.
Drivers face a £60 fine and three penalty points on their licence for using hand-held mobile phones.
View the video on You Tube
29/7/2009
Record numbers of breath tests were carried out as part of an all Wales summer drink driving crackdown. A total of 35, 347 breath tests were carried out, almost three times as many as last summer, with 651 drivers either positive, refused or failing to provide.
Chief Inspector Gary Ashton from North Wales Police’s Roads Policing Unit said: “The number of breath tests shows just how committed we are to tackling drink driving which is reckless and risks lives.
“This year North Wales Police carried out 6, 961 breath tests which resulted in 125 arrests. Out of these 37 young drivers were arrested, which is the equivalent to 30% of all arrests.
“It is disappointing that people continue to ignore the drink drive message and who continue to risk their lives and those of other road users by getting behind the wheel of a vehicle whilst over the limit.
6/8/09
The Department for Transport has today published provisional statistics on accidents reported to police involving drinking and driving in Great Britain in 2008, according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority. The figures also include final estimates for 2007.
Provisional drink drive estimates show:
•Fatalities resulting from drink and drive accidents rose by 5% from 410 in 2007 to 430 in 2008, whilst seriously injured casualties fell by 7% from 1,760 to 1,630. Slight casualties resulting from drink drive accidents also fell by 7% from 11,850 to 10,970. Total casualties fell by 7% from 14,020 to 13,020.
•There was an increase of 3% in fatal accidents from 370 to 380. Overall drink and drive accidents fell by 7% from 9,280 to 8,640.
View the full statistics here
PDF format 65kb
5/8/09
A Welsh police force has breath tested a record 20,772 motorists in a month and warned the public they are "relentlessly" targeting drink drivers. Gwent Police has adopted "mass screening" testing to find those under the influence of drink and drugs.
This June, 18,817 more motorists were stopped than the same month in 2008. 124 people - 0.59% - tested positive.
The force said it led to 54% fewer collisions on the roads. Gwent's figures, following an approach of what it called "relentless focus" to drink-driving, also added to a record month of testing by all four Welsh police forces.
Of the 35,347 drivers tested by South Wales, Gwent, North Wales and Dyfed-Powys Police, 651 tested either positive, refused or failed to provide a sample.
During this year's campaign:
- South Wales Police: 4,188 tests were carried out with 283 positive results (6.75% of those tested).
- Gwent Police: 20,772 tests were carried out with 124 positives (0.59% of drivers tested).
- Dyfed-Powys Police: 3,426 motorists were tested with 119 positives (3.47% of those tested).
- North Wales Police: 6,961 drivers were tested with 125 positives, (1.79% of tested motorists).
Gwent Police stopped the most number of motorists by all forces and said it was part of a new method of testing, where motorists were being stopped on all roads - apart from the M4 motorway - in the force area, all day, everyday.
A spokeswoman said: "We're doing tests as routine, morning, noon and night. It's very high profile and it seems to be working. In June we stopped more people than we ever have before.
"I think the fact people are seeing others being stopped at the roadside also helps."
Most of the 20,722 people who took the breath test in the force area did so on a voluntary basis and agreed to pass on the message to friends and work colleagues that they had been stopped and asked to take the test.
Chief Constable Mick Giannasi said he believed the results of the campaign were already being seen.
"The reduction by over half in the number collisions is particularly pleasing," he said.
"Whilst the campaign was running during the month of June, there were only 151 reported collisions on the roads of Gwent compared to 326 during the same period last year.
"This bucks the national trend where the number of collisions was broadly the same as last year."
The RAC Foundation, which protects the interests of motorists, said it supported the crackdown.
"This year, Gwent constabulary's approach to reduce drink-driving by testing over 20,000 motorists has clearly proved successful," a spokesman said.
"Not many drivers seem to have risked drinking and driving on the county's roads and the RAC Foundation hopes this will be realised in fewer accidents by drink-drivers on Gwent's roads."
Meanwhile, South Wales Police roads safety manager Wayne Tucker said all forces in Wales would continue to target drink-drivers.
"The number of breath tests shows just how committed we are to tackling drink-driving which is reckless and risks lives," he said.
"The message is clear - if you drink and drive, we will catch you.
"We will continue to proactively target drink-drivers to reduce drink-driving to zero."
The legal limit for alcohol when driving is 35mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath.
During last year's summer drink-drive campaign, 12,085 drivers were breath tested by the four Welsh police forces, with 507 testing positive.
In 2007, 7,970 people were breath tested.
5/8/09
South Wales Police has become the first force in the UK to teach its officers driving skills using a computer simulator. Unveiling the equipment publicly for the first time, Sergeant Gareth Morgan said it will save lives. “It’s sadly inevitable that during pursuits or even police driver training that lives will be put at risk,” he said.
“By training people in the simulator we reduce the amount of assessments that have to be done on the roads and also ensure that, when the drivers do get out there, they are better prepared for the situations they will face because they have already dealt with it in the simulator.”
Sgt Morgan and the team at South Wales Police driving school have spent the past year developing the system, which is housed in an industrial unit in Cardiff Bay.
The work has earned Sgt Morgan and Insp Mark Brier the Queen’s Award for Innovation for Police
Training and Development.
It has been estimated that not only will the simulator cut the time spent on public roads by 20% to 25%, it will also save the force £120,000 a year in efficiency gains.
Plus, unlike the unreliable Welsh weather, the machine can put drivers through their paces in a variety of conditions, including rain and snow.
“We can also programme the computer to simulate what it would be like driving under the influence,” said Sgt Morgan.
“The car will drift and the screen will become blurred and the driver will naturally slow down as they try to control the car, which is exactly how real drink drivers behave. Any traffic officers will tell you that drivers under the influence are easily identifiable because they always go slow and drift from one side of the road to the other.”
While police officers will be the first to benefit from the simulator, Sgt Morgan said the Institute of Advanced Motorists and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents will soon be invited to test it out.
He said the computer’s numerous applications, many of which have not even been used yet, will also mean it could eventually be used to retrain banned drink-drivers and to help young drivers and other vulnerable groups learning to cope with the demands of modern motoring.
“We’ve barely scratched the surface in terms of its usage,” said Sgt Morgan.
24/7/09
A group of Chevron apprentices have been given the opportunity to improve their driving skills. Aided by Pembrokeshire County Council's road safety team, the 37 apprentices took part in a driving course as part of the oil company's recent annual safety week.
The Pass Plus Cymru Course involves a two-and-half hour driving theory session and a nine hour shared drive with an approved Pass Plus Cymru driving instructor. It also includes motorway driving, city driving and a revision of driving skills.
Chevron is amongst the first companies in Wales to use Pass Plus Cymru to improve the driving skills of its young apprentices.
"Pembrokeshire County Council and Chevron encourage young drivers to take this course because a high percentage of those involved in national and local road traffic collisions are in this age group," said Councillor Jamie Adams, Cabinet Member for Highways and Planning.
"We are, therefore, keen to improve young people's driving skills."
The Welsh Assembly Government sponsors the Pass Plus Cymru course programme through the local road safety grant, while Chevron also contributes 50% towards the cost of the scheme.
Any local driver aged between 17 and 25 can undertake the course provided they have a full licence. Subsidised by the Council, it costs participants £20.
For further information on Pass Plus Cymru Courses in Pembrokeshire contact either the Council's road safety unit on 01437 775144 or 0845 050 4255.
30/06/09
The Home Office has doubled the on-the-spot penalty for not wearing a seatbelt, in a move to prevent 'needless' deaths. The increase, which takes the fine to £60, comes after a Department for Transport consultation earlier this year that aimed to tackle the non-wearing of seat belts along with speeding and drink-driving: together the three biggest causes of injury on British roads.
Figures published last week revealed that deaths on UK roads fell from 2,946 in 2007 to 2,538 in 2008, but the Government estimates that if everyone wore seatbelts a further 400 lives could be saved annually.
Announcing the increased penalty, which comes into effect today, Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said that the vast majority of motorists do wear seat belts, but that those who do not risked their own lives and those of others.
"By increasing the fixed penalty, we are sending a clear message to motorists that we will crack down on them if they are caught failing to take this vital safety precaution."
Road Safety Minister Paul Clark added: "Every day someone dies because they do not think they always need to use a seat belt.
"This tragic waste could be avoided if everyone took the simple step of belting up every time they got in a car."
The fixed-penalty for displaying an illegal registration plate has also been doubled.
30/6/09
Illegal and inconsiderate parking outside two Porth schools has been targeted once more in a high-profile road safety campaign organised by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
Paula Perry and Gail Sullivan from RCT Road Safety Unit visited Llwyncelyn Primary School and Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llwyncelyn with a colourful new banner warning motorists of the hazards involved by parking on zig zag lines outside schools. The exercise forms part of the ongoing work by pupils, staff and governors, supported by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Road Safety Officers and the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Illegal and inconsiderate parking outside schools is an issue faced across the county, with parents believing it is acceptable to stop on the zig zag lines for “just a minute” in order to pick up or collect “their” child.
What they do not understand is the combined impact of scores of motorists doing just that, causing congestion in the narrow roads outside schools. With cars parked illegally on the lines and badly in other parts of the street, buses and other traffic struggle to pass and, in the heart of the chaos, children try to cross the road. The schools have decided enough is enough and a plan of action has been put in place, which will eventually see the arrival of a county-wide enforcement and education scheme put in place.
The project started in October 2008 when children were photographed lying down on the zig zag lines and a road safety poster competition was completed. The winner of the competition was Ellis James of Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llwyncelyn.
Now a large banner featuring all of these images has been created and displayed on the railings outside the schools following the support of Ian Howells of Howells Newsagents in Porth who part financed the scheme with Rhondda Cynon Taf and the Welsh Assembly Government.
Recently there has been continued police presence outside both schools to record any driver found parking on the zig zags or using them as a drop-off zone.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Customer Care Cllr Andrew Morgan said: “The work at these schools is inspiring and we are committed to supporting them, via our Road Safety Unit, to ensure they can protect our children.
“This is the latest in an ongoing programme of schemes to make people aware of the dangers of illegal and inconsiderate parking outside school and I hope more motorists take this message away from them and realize the implications of their actions.”
29/6/09
A pre-driver education programme has been developed by Flintshire County Council’s Road Safety Unit to raise awareness in young people of the potential dangers of unsafe driving.
The programme is initially being offered to Year 12 secondary school pupils and will be extended to young people of driving age who attend local colleges.
The number of road collisions involving young drivers and their passengers put them amongst the most vulnerable of road users. One in three new drivers will have a collision during the first two years of driving.
The presentation will include looking at driver behaviour and attitude together with issues relating to aggressive driving and speed, wearing seat belts, overloading, drink/drug driving and mobile phone use.
A road safety education driving simulator is also available for pupils to participate in a number of interesting exercises, which involve straight line reaction tests and more difficult driving scenarios. It shows hazards in a realistic way and allows participants to practice hazard awareness and avoidance.
Councillor Tony Sharps, Flintshire County Council’s executive member for Environment, said: “This Project offers youngsters an excellent opportunity to participate in driving situations which they will come across when they are learning to drive and after they've passed their test. The Project highlights in-car safety and the consequences of road collisions as a result of carrying passengers - above all, the safety of our youngsters is of the utmost importance and this Project will go a long way to improve their road safety awareness.”
Flint High School student, Sophie Evans, 17, tries out the new Flintshire County Council driving simulator watched by fellow students Charlotte Eaton, Katy James and Kyle Smith, all aged 17.
15/6/09
Over 150 vehicles were stopped, 15 people arrested and 25 vehicles seized on Thursday 11 June, 2009 as part of Operation Utah. The large-scale operation targeting travelling criminals in Gwent involved more than 150 police officers from 6 forces and the support of representatives from 7 key enforcement agencies.
Vehicles in the vicinity of the M4 motorway and using the network of roads surrounding it were scanned by special Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) units during the course of the day, which alerted officers to any crime the vehicle or its occupants were wanted for, from drug dealing to banned drivers and benefit cheats.
ANPR systems instantly check up to 3,000 vehicles an hour against various databases of intelligence. This includes information provided by police officers, Crimestoppers, the DVLA and other forces about vehicles used by disqualified drivers, people wanted on warrant and those who are suspected of committing crime.
If a suspicious vehicle is identified by ANPR, police units intercept to carry out checks on the vehicle and occupants. The expertise of the other agencies involved can then be called on.
Police officers from Gwent, South Wales, Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire, Devon and Cornwall and Wiltshire were involved, with support from the DVLA, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), VOSA (Vehicle Inspectorate), HM Revenue and Customs, Her Majesty’s Court Service, the Environment Agency and TER (The National Plant and Equipment Register).
Police results from the day include:
Total arrests = 15
• 3 people arrested for disqualified driving
• 6 people arrested for non-payment of fines
• 3 people arrested for possession of drugs
• 1 person arrested for theft
• 1 person arrested for drink driving
• 1 wanted person arrested
• 25 vehicles seized under section 165 of the road traffic act for having no insurance
• 12 fixed penalty notices issued for varying offences including use of a mobile phone whilst driving, having no MOT/tax, for not wearing a seatbelt and number plate offences.
• 19 vehicle Ion Track tests completed with 7 testing positive for drugs
• 1 vehicle seized for use of red diesel and the owner issued with a £500 fine
• 8 vehicles seized by DVLA for no tax or fraudulent tax
• £3000 worth of fines warrants executed by HMCS
• 3 being investigated further for benefit fraud by DWP
VOSA Results
• £1800 worth of fixed penalty notices issued for overloaded Light Goods Vehicles (LGV)
• £120 worth of fines issued for over hours Heavy Goods Vehicle driving offences
• £30 worth of fines issued for tacograph offences
• £150 worth of fines issued for tyre/vehicle defects
• 23 vehicles taken off the road for defects
• £200 fixed penalty notice issued for a Light Goods Vehicle found to be a tonne overweight
Sergeant Huw Jones co-ordinated the operation on behalf of Gwent Police said:
"ANPR technology means we can identify people wanted for a whole range of offences, from possession of drugs to disqualified drivers. Bringing together our neighbouring forces and the expertise of partner agencies during Operation Utah means we can deal with these at one site.
With ANPR, there is literally nowhere to hide. Many criminals rely on the use of transport networks to commit crime, by joining up with neighbouring forces and using modern technology, we aim to detect, disrupt and generally make it difficult for crime groups to operate.
This is not a one-off: ANPR is a vital tool used day-in, day-out throughout the region and, thanks to the success of this operation, it is only a matter of time until we look to repeat it.”
12/6/09
Parents should be advised to keep young children in rear facing car seats for as long as possible, state doctors in a paper published on bmj.com today.
It is common practice to switch babies to a forward facing car seat at 9kg (approx. 8 months of age), but there is mounting evidence that it is safer for young children to travel in a rear facing seat until 4 years of age, write Drs Elizabeth Watson and Michael Monteiro.
For instance, data from Sweden where rear facing up to age 4 is common practice, has shown that children who died in accidents restrained in forward facing booster seats could have potentially survived if they had been travelling in rear facing seats.
One study used the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash database to examine crashes involving 870 children between 1998 and 2003, and concluded that rear facing seats were more effective than forward facing seats in protecting children aged 0–23 months for all crash types.
Recent crash tests have also reported that rear facing seats resulted in significantly lower neck and chest injury measures compared with forward facing seats. The authors of another crash simulation study encouraged manufacturers to develop rear facing seats for children up to 4 years of age.
The authors explain that, unlike forward facing seats, rear facing car seats keep the head, neck and spine fully aligned so the crash forces are distributed over all of these body areas.
They believe part of the problem is that many parents and healthcare providers may be unaware that it is safer to leave children in rear facing seats for as long as possible, or that rear facing seats for toddlers exist.
Healthcare professionals should advise that rear facing seats are safer than forward facing seats for children under 4 years, say the authors.
They also call on manufacturers and retailers to increase the availability of rear facing seats for older children and for a change to the current weight-range labelling of European seats, which may imply that forward facing seats are as safe as rear facing seats for children over 9kg.
Steve Baker , Head of RoSPA Wales, said: “We support the call to make rearward-facing seats for older toddlers more widely available as a way of improving parental choice about the safety of their children.
“The evidence shows that it is safer for children to travel rearward-facing for as long as possible, although that does not mean forward-facing seats are ‘dangerous’.
“For parents who currently have a child in a rearward-facing 0+ car seat and are wondering what to do next, our advice is to keep them in that seat until they reach the upper end of the weight range (13kg), unless they have grown out of the seat in terms of their height (this is to do with the position of their head - check manufacturers’ guidelines). If their height means they can continue to use their current seat for longer, don’t be tempted to switch your child to forward-facing as soon as they reach the minimum weight in the weight range stated on the next seat up.
“Ideally, parents who are considering using a rearward-facing seat for older toddlers would be able to try out one of the seats in their car before buying it to ensure it fits safely and securely. This is why greater availability of rearward-facing seats in UK sales outlets is important, so parents do not order a potentially-misfitting seat over the internet before they have had a chance to seek expert guidance about fitting it in their car. Retailers also need to be appropriately trained to help parents.
“Also, there
is a real need for parents to make sure that child car seats of any type are fitted correctly whenever they are taken in and out of the car. Surveys have shown that many child car seats are misfitted, meaning they won’t offer the full protection that they are able to give.”
Further child car seat information can be found at www.childcarseats.org.uk
9/6/09
Gwent Police officers have breath tested over 5000 motorists in the first week of the 2009 All-Wales Summer Anti Drink/Drug Drive Campaign.
The 5410 stops which been made across Gwent in just the first 7 days of the campaign send a clear message to people living, working and visiting the area that driving after having a drink or taking drugs is an offence Gwent Police takes extremely seriously and will not tolerate.
Officers are encouraged that out of the number of motorists breathalysed only 25 were found to be over the limit - less than 0.5% of the total tested.
Chief Inspector of Roads Policing, John Pavett said;
“As a force we are determined to identify anyone willing to risk their own life and the lives of others by getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after they have had a drink or taken drugs.
Gwent Police focus on drink driving throughout the year but unfortunately at this time of year people tend to take more risks, whether it be driving the morning after a night out or after a BBQ or social gathering for example, when over a long period of time they have lost track of the amount of alcohol they have consumed.
We have tested more drivers than ever before in any given seven day period, therefore, if people do still want to risk drinking and driving they are obviously more likely to be caught and punished.
I want to again say directly to those people who continue to drink or take drugs and drive that it is just not worth it. I would also like to appeal to members of the community and ask if anyone is aware of someone who drinks or takes drugs and then drives, to please contact police as soon as possible. By making that phone call you may well be saving a life."
28/5/09
Youngsters in a Pembrokeshire school have been checking up on speeding drivers. Twenty four children from Class 6 at Roch Community Primary School recently carried out a speed survey on the A487 road near their school.
Using speed guns supplied by Pembrokeshire County Council's Road Safety Unit, the pupils were alarmed at the high speeds they recorded. Despite being in a 40mph speed limit, they found several cars traveling at nearly 60mph. The pupils will now use the data for a class project.
The testing followed increasing concerns about the speed of vehicles traveling through the village near Haverfordwest.
Councillor Jamie Adams, Cabinet Member for Highways and Planning , who attended the survey, said he was pleased to see the children taking part in such an important community concern.
"This particular stretch of road causes concern because there have been a number of deaths along it over the last 12 months. We cannot stress enough that drivers should heed the slogan that ‘Speed Kills' and reduce their speed," he said.
John Gobbi, County Road Safety Education Officer, said more than 60% of road accident deaths were on rural roads and speeding contributed to many of them.
21/5/09
Three hundred students attended this year’s road safety initiative aimed at reducing road traffic collisions involving young people in Pembrokeshire. The annual Top Drive event was held for the first time at Pembrokeshire College for 4 days 21- 24 April 2009.
The students were given advice on being responsible drivers and car passengers. Road safety presentations were given by Dyfed Powys Police, Mid & West Wales Fire Fire & Resue Service, Driving Standards Agency, Local Driving Academy, Ambulance Service, and Sudds. The presentations covered a wide range of information asking students to refrain from speeding, using a mobile phone whilst driving, drinking and driving, taking drugs and driving, driving when tired. They were also encouraged about the importance of wearing a seat belt and the law concerning wearing a seat belt.
Further good information was given about what to do at the scene of a road accident by our local paramedic [Ambulance Service] were there are particularly more then one casualty.
The event also included information on vehicle insurance from the officer from the local National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance office on Winch ane Haverfordwest and advice on buying a vehicle from Gareth Hughes Motors in Sardis and purchasing a motor cyclesfrom a Pembrokeshire County Council officer. The event was coordinated by Pembrokeshire County Council Road Safety Forum and Unit.
Cllr Jamie Adams expressed his wish to see a reduction in road traffic collisions on the county roads particularly involving young drivers, and believes this type of event must go a long way to meet his wishes.
College Principal Glyn Jones stated how important this Top Drive event is to the young drivers and would highly recommend it to the local schools.
For further information contact: John Gobbi, County Road Safety Education Officer john.gobbi@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
19/5/09
A Welsh police force is linking up with the AA in a move aimed at tackling teenage road deaths. North Wales Police will offer "at risk" teenagers free driver safety training in the scheme run by the road organisation's charitable trust. One hundred and fifty drivers whose records are a cause for concern will be invited to take part in the training.
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Shannon said targeting training at the right people will save lives. The force said it is the UK's first to adopt the "Drive Smart" scheme which offers two-hour sessions with a driving instructor from the AA. The initiative, which is supported by transport ministers, also looks at "eco-driving" techniques to cut fuel consumption.
Young drivers with a history of collisions or offences such as driving without seatbelts, using mobile phones at the wheel and speeding will be approached for nomination for the training. Those who take part in the course will be sent a supporting workbook and will also be expected to practice between training sessions.
Mr Shannon said: "Young drivers, particularly those with a poor driving record, are at most risk of being involved in a collision in which someone will die or be seriously injured. By targeting training at the right people, we will save lives."
AA president Edmund King, the director of the charitable trust which was launched in January, said: "Driving causes more teenage deaths than stabbings or drugs, with new drivers and their passengers accounting for one in five car deaths.
"By working with police to target those who are the biggest risk we can start to tackle this carnage."
Supt Simon Shaw, Head of Roads Policing for North Wales Police, said: "Young drivers and their passengers are being injured and killed on our roads at levels that we must not accept."
He said the scheme provides an opportunity for officers "to signpost high risk young drivers into high quality driver training".
Officers will visit the homes of those nominated to discuss their driving history and to outline the benefits of the course, said Supt Shaw.
The courses are anticipated to start within the next few weeks. Officers are asking anyone who believes a young driver is at high risk of being involved in a collision to contact the roads policing unit.
19/5/09
Carmarthenshire Youth Service has been educating young people on how to stay safe on the roads. Youth workers from the Amman and Gwendraeth team have been delivering a road safety programme to year twelve secondary school pupils within the Valleys. The aim is to raise awareness amid young people on the effects of dangerous driving and to get them involved in first aid workshops and advice on how to keep their cars roadworthy.
Officers form the Police and Fire Service have also been involved in the workshops to further encourage young people to stay safe and legal on the road.
Barrie Ashton, Project Co-ordinator said:
“The workshops have gone down really well with the young people. We’ve been able to show the effects of driving whilst under the influence of drugs and alcohol and how dangerous driving can ruin people’s lives."
“With road accidents more commonplace amid young people under the age of 25, we felt the need to target young people who are learning to drive or who have recently passed their tests. By informing them from the start, we hope they will take these consequences into account and act responsibly on the roads.”
1/5/09
10:00am – 4:00pm, Thursday 21 May
Pavilion Conference Centre
Llandrindod Wells
What would be the consequences for you and your organisation if one of your staff was involved in a fatal road traffic collision whilst driving “at work”?
Do you know how many investigations might be undertaken, by whom, in what order and with what potential outcomes? How would the investigations link to each other? Who could face criminal and / or civil proceedings – the driver? The manager? The organisation? All of the above?
Do you know what protection your motor insurance policy provides (and, just as importantly, what it excludes)?
This event is aimed at anyone who manages staff who drive at work in the public sector, as well as their colleagues who manage vehicle fleets, risk, insurance, litigation, policy and strategy, human resources, etc.
As well as a varied panel of presenters, there will be a free exhibition from a number of road safety related organisations, intended to help you avoid the situation that the seminar will address – see below for details
Cost, to include all refreshments, lunch and delegate pack:
Alarm members Free
Non-members £50.00
For further information and to book your place on-line, click here
Programme
09:30 Registration and exhibition
10:00 Welcome and scenario Steve Thomas Chairman, Alarm Wales
10:15 Blue light response PC Richard Jessopp, Dyfed-Powys Police Collision Investigation Unit
11:00 Coffee and exhibition
11:30 An inspector calls Mike Fahey, Principal Inspector, Health and Safety Executive
12:15 Questions / discussion
12:30 Lunch and exhibition
13:30 The Coroner’s Court Peter Bennett, Partner, Dolmans Solicitors
14:00 Criminal proceedings Bernard Thorogood, No. 5 Chambers, Birmingham
14:30 Civil claims Peter Bennett
15:00 Questions / discussion Expert panel
15:15 Summary and closing remarks Steve Thomas
15:30 Coffee and exhibition
16:00 Event closes
Exhibitors
Association of Industrial Road Safety Officers
Carmarthenshire County Council
Ceredigion County Council
Drive Smarter Ltd.
Dyfed-Powys Police
GoSafe – Wales Casualty Reduction Partnership
Institute of Advanced Motorists
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service
Powys Community Safety Partnership
Powys County Council
www.alarm-uk.org
22/4/09
Dyfed Powys Police are regularly using ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technology to tackle criminals. ANPR is an effective roads policing and crime reduction tool that is capable of identifying vehicles of interest regardless of traffic speeds, weather or lighting conditions. It is a valuable tool as it identifies vehicles where criminal activity is suspected or a road traffic offence has been committed and allows people lawfully using the roads to continue to do so unhindered.
Experience has shown there are very strong links between illegal use of motor vehicles on the road and other types of serious crime. In an average month in Dyfed Powys ANPR has over 127,000 vehicles ‘hit’ which means vehicles which are of interest to the police or other agencies. This includes over 71,500 for DVLA for no registered keeper and over 26,800 for DVLA with No Tax. Also over 14,500 for No Insurance and over 14,700 vehicles which had Intelligence on them.
Chief Inspector Phil Davies said: “ANPR is particularly valuable to road safety, highlighting individuals driving without insurance, driving licence or MOT.
From February 2008-09 over 1,500 cars were seized under section 165 of the Road Traffic Act for the driver having no insurance or no licence – a significant amount of these would have been down to ANPR hits. ANPR has also been highly effective in helping catch travelling criminals who come to Dyfed Powys.
We would like to reassure people that ANPR does not ‘track’ every journey. It is intelligence based and flags plates which are linked to criminality.”
An example of how ANPR works is the Operation Rogue Trader which took place on the A487 Brynhoffnant on March 5. The operation was deemed a success by all agencies with a broad range of offences detected. An ANPR van was utilised for this operation and there were 1876 reads on ANPR with 55 hits.
This resulted in 58 vehicles being stopped and one fixed penalty notice being issued, two Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme notices, three searches under the misuse of drugs act, 39 fuel tanks dipped by H.M Customs, 5 prohibitions issued by Vosa and 2 section 165 vehicle seizure for no insurance/licence.
For the same operation ANPR was used on A44 Lovesgrove and surrounding area and had 2986 ANPR reads with 104 hits.
This resulted in six stops for DEFRA, 20 stops including further enquiries for trading standards, six stops for Environmental Health & Environment Agency, 2 No MOT Offences an offence of no insurance and one 165 Seizure of Vehicle.
Chief Inspector Davies added: “A number of our police vehicles are also equipped with ANPR. Our message to criminals if you think of committing crime in Dyfed Powys is don’t bother – ANPR will be tracking you and helping us to keep our communities safe.”
20/4/09
For the first time ever, “Too Much Punch for Judy” was performed at Prescoed Open Prison. The audience at Prescoed were invited to attend “Too Much Punch for Judy” in their free time, together with Prison and Road Safety staff.
The watchers seemed spellbound as the drama took them through the events that 26 years ago were played out for real.
The high-octane opening depicted the buzz of an alcohol-fuelled “night on the town.” But then comes the jolt. The plot unfolds and so do the stark consequences of this true event. The inconceivable, unimaginable and seemingly impossible outcome which every drink driver thinks will never happen, happens. A young girl dies – not any young girl but the sister of the drink driver.
Throughout the performance, the actors are only part of the story. The audience is drawn is drawn in as the drama plays out the horror of the aftermath. Actors commented that the audience more than played out their part. Their response contributed totally to the atmosphere and tension as they engaged with the characters in the play.
“Too Much Punch” was also performed at Coleg Gwent, Usk. Students threw themselves into the workshops which followed the drama. Again, staff and the young audience remained transfixed and not a little bewildered at the range of emotions everyone was forced to face.
14/4/09
The mother of a young driver killed as he raced a friend at speeds of up to 95mph says she hopes a new film and song about him will save lives. David Wares, 22, was killed instantly in the crash in August 2008, just yards from his home near Prestatyn.
A pop song penned by a friend has been turned into a anti-speed film by Denbighshire's road safety team. Mother Edwina Wares said if it helped just one family avoid their tragedy it was a "job well done".
Her son's friend, 20-year-old David Bexon was later given two years, nine months in youth custody for his role in the crash, after admitting dangerous driving.
At the hearing in March, Mold Crown Court was told that Bexon had been driving at an estimated 95mph in a 30mph zone when the crash happened.
The anti-speed video has been posted onto the YouTube website, after members of the Denbighshire council road safety team were played the song written by close friend Katie Benbow.
View the video here
9/4/09
A radio presenter from Wrexham's Community station Calon FM sat through the terrifying experience of being extricated by firefighters from a crashed car to help drive home the importance of safety behind the wheel at an exercise this week.
Firefighters from Wrexham and Caernarfon were conducting extrications at the Entec site on Wrexham Industrial Park, learning all about the latest Road Traffic Collision equipment to be used by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service. The individuals receiving the training will then by instructing the rest of the crews on station on how to use the new tools, introduced as part of a major investment by the Service.
Dave Williams wore a radio mike to help relay the sounds and feelings involved in being cut from a damaged vehicle. He says: "North Wales Fire and Rescue Service have a fortnightly slot on my show, every other Friday morning. They had talked to us about the dangers of the road, and of the horrific scenes that they are met with on a regular basis. We felt that by me taking part in this exercise, and relaying the frightening experience of being cut out of a car, it may help get the safety messages through.
"The experience was very tense and frightening - I would never want to be in that situation for real. I hope that listening to the piece, which will be broadcast soon on Calon FM, will help people think about the importance of driving safely."
Wayne Monslow, Watch Manager, Blue Watch, Wrexham, said: "The day gave us the opportunity to work with Dave to get the messages about driving safely across to the public, and also allowed us to familiarise ourselves with the new equipment which will be brought onto station in the next few months. The equipment will greatly enhance our capabilities at more complicated collisions. We'd like to thank Calon FM for working with us, and Entec for kindly supplying the cars and site for the exercise."
6/4/09
Parents on the school run in Swansea are being asked to help make school entrances safe for children walking to and from school. Schools throughout the city are reporting problems with high numbers of cars parking directly outside schools with many of those cars parked illegally. Swansea Council's Road Safety Team and the newly-formed Civil Parking Enforcement Service have teamed up to try and improve things in a bid to keep the city's children safe.
Phil Davies, Swansea Council's Parking Enforcement Manager, said: "We are continuing to receive complaints and calls from concerned parents about problems with inconsiderate parking, especially outside schools.
"So teams of Parking Enforcement Officers are being deployed to local communities every week to deal with cases of illegal parking and we will continue to monitor problem sites and issue fixed penalties, if required.
"And with help from our Road Safety Team we are hoping we can educate parents about the dangers of parking directly outside schools and encourage them to park further away if they are dropping off or picking up their children."
Schools can work with the Council's Road Safety Team to develop travel plans. These can then help the school to access funding which can be used to introduce physical measures near schools that can provide a safer walking environment for pupils and others.
Jeff Green, the Council's Road Safety Officer, said: "Parking outside schools is not a new problem butit's one which we're keen to improve. Parents need to play their part for the benefit and safety of children attending local schools.
"Parents may think that they are only going to be parked for a few minutes while they are dropping of their child but it only takes a second for an accident to occur."
The Council took control of parking enforcement in the city in September 2008 and, since then, more than 11,000 tickets have been issued to motorists who have parked illegally.
John Hague, Cabinet Member for the Environment in Swansea Council, said: "Motorists should be warned that we are not going to sit back and allow them to park illegally.
"Often, illegal parking causes obstructions for emergency vehicles and prevents children from safely crossing roads."
3/4/09
 |
Station Manager Gary Williams, Group Manager Rob Morris,
Ben Rose, Dad, Simon Rose, Helen Davidson - road safety
project manager and Ashley Collins |
A Newport youngster's poster design will encourage people crossing the Severn Bridge to drive safely after winning a competition.
Ben Rose, a ten-year-old St Julian's Junior School pupil came up with the slogan 'Don't be a clown - slow down' for his 3m by 2m poster, which will be displayed after the toll kiosks as motorists enter Wales from today.
Youngsters from schools across South East Wales entered the competition, run between South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Capita Symonds and Severn Bridge PLC.
Ben said he was "chuffed" at the prospect of his sign being seen by thousands of people as they enter Wales.
Ben will be presented with a framed copy of his design and vouchers for WH Smith as his prize.
3/4/09
Police are to launch a crackdown on drivers not wearing their seat belts after a survey by schoolchildren showed many were not belting up. Pupils at Knighton Primary School found that 484 drivers, out of 1,142 surveyed, failed to wear safety belts.They monitored cars passing the school for 20 minutes a day for three months.
Dyfed-Powys Police congratulated the pupils and said it intended to take action in light of the survey over the next few weeks. Deputy head teacher Sue Jones said the school's junior road safety officers club, made up of nine and 10 year olds, was responsible for the survey. It surveyed 1,142 vehicles, finding that more than half (658) of drivers were wearing seat belts but 484 were not.
"The children went out for about 20 minutes in the mornings and made a tally of those wearing and not wearing their seat belts," said Mrs Jones.
"The children were shocked by the results and they recognised some of the drivers not wearing belts and told them they were breaking the law. I don't think they'll do it again."
Chief Inspector Chris Curtis of Dyfed-Powys Police congratulated the children on the survey.
He said: "It is worrying to see the number of people who are not wearing seatbelts.
"Clearly some work needs to be done within this area and I shall be looking to carry out education activity followed by enforcement in conjunction with the mid Wales roads policing unit in the forthcoming weeks.
"We must appreciate that wearing a seat belt is a legal obligation and, more importantly, it's there for our safety."
Front seat belts became compulsory in 1983, and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents estimated in 2007 that 50,000 lives had been saved as a result.
30/3/09
Around 600 students from Denbighshire high schools visited a roadshow at Coleg Llysfasi, near Ruthin this week to test their driving knowledge and their attitudes behind the wheel. The event was staged by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, in partnership with a number of agencies including Denbighshire County Council, North Wales Police, Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, Dangerpoint and the road charity Brake.
Its aim was to deliver hard-hitting road safety messages to young drivers by making them aware of their responsibilities on the road and the potentially fatal consequences of road traffic collisions.
Road crashes are the biggest killer of 15-24 year-olds - only one in eight car licence holders are aged under 25, yet one in three drivers who die on UK roads are under 25.
The day included a launch of a DVD produced by Denbighshire County Council in memory of David Wares, from Prestatyn, who died last summer in a road traffic collision aged 22. David's mother, Edwina, was present at the roadshow and took part in a presentation to the youngsters, imploring them to think of the dangers of the road.
Alan Hinchcliffe, Road Safety Officer for Denbighshire, said: "The DVD and talk by David's mother at the roadshow will help remind youngsters in the county that loved ones, family and friends who are left behind when a young person dies also suffer a legacy of pain.
"The DVD is a musical tribute, recorded by one of David's friends, and it touches the emotions to positively influence the next generation of drivers and encourages careful and considerate driving."
The day also included a presentation from the Impact roadshow team, who used a mock up of a road traffic collision to show the consequences of dangerous driving. Sessions on hazard perception, road traffic collisions and the role of family liaison officers were also held during day, as well as presentations from partner agencies.
Lily Dewhurst, a Year 11 pupil from Ysgol Brynhyfryd, was cut out of one of the cars using hydraulic cutting equipment during the demonstration. She said: "Being in the car while having the roof cut off was a really frightening experience. The sounds of the glass shattering and then being carried on a board were really scary.
"The experience has made me all the more determined to avoid being in a car crash. I'd definitely tell all my friends about the experience and how important it is to avoid speeding and to drive safely. I never want to go through that for real."
Kevin Smith, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service's County Safety Manager for Denbighshire, said: "The event was designed to deliver hard-hitting messages to young drivers by making them aware of their responsibilities on the road, and the potentially fatal consequences of speeding or not paying attention while driving. We as a Fire and Rescue Service attend a high number of road traffic collisions involving young people - and we are doing all that we can to educate our youngsters and drive down the number of tragedies on our roads.
"The activity-based workshops used a mix of videos, problem solving exercises, practical demonstrations and discussions based on knowledge, attitude and the perception of risk, which engaged the youngsters and really made the messages hit home."
Denbighshire County Councillor Eryl Williams, Lead Member for Environment, says, "Events like this are important to make our young people aware of the dangers of speeding. Denbighshire continues to work with other agencies on various initiatives, including the Pass Plus Cymru scheme aimed at young drivers between 17 and 25 and Arrive Alive - another collaborative campaign aimed at making the roads of North Wales safer."
30/3/09
Youngsters from across Conwy and Denbighshire came together at Llanfairfechan Fire Station this week for the 'Motor Education Scheme Information Day'.
The day, facilitated by agencies including North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, North Wales Police, The Welsh Ambulance Service and the Local Youth Justice Service, educated the group of young people about the dangers involved in vehicle theft and anti social driving.
Activities included a presentation by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service's Impact Roadshow Team, which demonstrates how firefighters go to work to release casualties from road traffic collisions.
The youngsters, aged 14 - 16, also received talks from the emergency services on the potential consequences of being involved in a road accident or car crime.
Richie Westwood, Community Safety Team Member and one of the organisers of the day, said:
"North Wales Fire and Rescue Service are thrilled to be involved in this groundbreaking scheme. We are hoping that today will help these young people understand our life saving safety messages, and help to drive down the tragically high number of youngsters losing their lives in road traffic collisions."
26/3/09
Parents and childminders from all over Gwynedd visited their local fire station this week to get advice on correctly positioning and fitting their child seats. In partnership with Gwynedd Council, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service opened the doors of stations in Caernarfon, Bangor Dolgellau, Porthmadog and Pwllheli this week and encouraged locals to bring in their car seats to be checked. In a similar initiative 18 months ago, 97% of the seats tested needed adjustment.
Heather Jones, Gwynedd Council Senior Road Safety Officer, said: "The majority of children hurt on our roads are actually passengers in a vehicle rather than pedestrians. However, they are 95% less likely to be killed in a collision if they are restrained in a correctly fitted car seat.
"We are grateful for the opportunity to work with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service to help our residents keep their children safe."
Eilian Roberts, Fire Safety Inspecting Officer, added: "Our aim at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is to keep everyone as safe as possible.
"Firefighters now also attend a high number of road traffic collisions, and we are doing all we can to educate about the dangers of the road and make sure that drivers and passengers are kept as safe as possible.
"We are proud to be working in partnership with Gwynedd County Council on this initiative to keep children as safe as possible while travelling, as we continue with our mission to drive down injuries and deaths on our roads in North Wales."
26/3/09
Parents and carers in Cardiff are being offered a free opportunity to check their babies and toddlers are safely strapped in as part of an ongoing campaign highlighting the dangers of ill-fitting car seats.
Cardiff Council will be offering free child car seat checks at two supermarkets during the Easter holidays.
Wednesday 8 April - Sainsburys, Colchester Avenue, Penylan.
Wednesday 15 April - Asda, Coryton.
Checking will take place between 9:30am - 4pm.
25/3/09
New measures have been introduced to Scarrowscant Lane in Haverfordwest in a bid to slow speeding traffic. Local County Councillors say the stretch of road between the Horsefair roundabout and Snowdrop Lane is close to three schools while a further two schools are less than half a mile away.
Said Councillor David Bryan: "It is a busy road which is used by a lot of children walking to these schools and I sorry to say that some motorists have been driving at inappropriate speed.
"This has been a issue for the residents of Scarrowcant for some time. Initially the Council erected a ‘build-out which forced traffic on one side of the road to stop to allow oncoming traffic to pass but this caused delays for motorists and did not solve the problem."
Now both he and his colleague, Councillor Peter Stock, whose ward also includes the road, hope that the installation of a number of speed bumps will have the desired effect.
"The bumps are wide enough to slow down cars and vans but not wide enough to affect ambulances and fire engines" explained Councillor Stock. "And unlike the ‘build-out', they do not bring the traffic to a halt but allow it to keep moving albeit at a slower pace."
However it seems that some drivers will go to any lengths to avoid driving over the speed bumps even, on occasions mounting the pavement in their vehicles.
The County Council will monitor this anti-social behaviour and, if necessary, consider additional features
"In addition" warned Councillor Stock "the police have been made aware of this and say they will take action against offenders."
24/3/09
Banners to encourage parents to think about where and how they park around New Inn Primary School were put on display today.
Children at New Inn Primary School took part in a competition lead by the Torfaen Road Safety Team and Gwent Police Force. They were asked to design a banner to be displayed outside the school to help make parents think about their parking and make it safer for children entering the school. Over 130 children entered the competition making choosing the best a very difficult task. Finally, the entries were whittled down to just two winners and two runners up.
Hollie Morgan and Fiona Dodge were the winners. Hollie’s banner will be displayed at the front of the school on the fence as you enter the car park and Fiona’s on Hillcrest at the back. Torfaen County Borough Council funded the production of the banners.
Alun Jones Head Teacher at New Inn Primary stated, “Keeping our children safe is vitally important and we are very grateful to everyone who has helped to bring safe parking to everyone’s attention. The children are delighted to see their work on show and being put to good purpose.”
Councillor John Cunningham, Executive Member for Operational Services, praised the pupils’ work. “Their striking designs will help raise awareness about an important issue,” he said. “I would like to congratulate the girls and all the pupils at the school for their efforts.”
School gate parking is a huge issue for many schools across the area, with many trying to find ways to encourage parents to park further away and walk into school, or even leave the car at home.
18/3/09
A North Wales Police-led speed awareness day held on Anglesey last week reaped ‘very good results’, according to its organisers. Following complaints from the residents of Amlwch and surrounding areas, local Community Beat Manager PC Dafydd Pritchard arranged a speed awareness day to try and combat the problem of speeding drivers.
Working in partnership with the Safer Roads Officer for Anglesey County Council, Terfel Jones, PC Pritchard monitored the roads in the area – including Amlwch, Bull Bay, Rhosybol and Penysarn using a hand-held speed gun.
PC Pritchard said: “The aim of the exercise was to educate offending drivers as to the manner of their behaviour with the hope that they will consider how they drive in the future.
“The reaction from the public following the previous awareness days has been very positive. We have seen a reduction in speeding whilst conducting the exercises and we have hopefully made drivers aware that we are now monitoring the roads on a regular basis.”
This was the fourth such day held by the team. It involved utilising mobile electronic speed interaction signs in areas known as ‘speed hotspots’ which have been identified by local residents as areas of concern.
During the day, a number of vehicles were stopped and advice was given to the drivers. There was a noticeable change of speed when drivers saw the officers in their high visibility jackets holding the speed gun.
PC Pritchard added: “The electronic signs will be displayed in other areas around the town and we will be carrying out further checks in the near future as a reminder to the minority who do break the law that we will take action against them.”
17/3/09
Powys County Council’s Road Safety Unit carried out checks on child car seats in Knighton and Ystradgynlais and a staggering 78% were incorrectly fitted.
55% of the seats had a minor problem that needed to be rectified, which included tightening the seatbelt. 9% of the seats had major faults, which included the seatbelt being incorrectly routed. 14% of the seats were incompatible with the vehicle and should not have been used.
Powys County Council’s Senior Road Safety Officer, Sarah Morris said: “Every year around 100,000 children, in the UK, are involved in collisions and the fitting of their car seat can have a serious impact on whether or not they are injured. We check the car seat, whether it is suitable for your child and whether it is compatible with your vehicle. An expert is present at all In-Car Safety Days who can answer any questions or concerns that you may have.”
Councillor Gwilym Evans, Powys County Council's Board Member with responsibility for road safety, said: "I would encourage anyone who uses a child car seat to make use of these free checks. These checks will not cost you anything and could ultimately save your child's life.”
Further car seat checks are being carried out in Powys at the following locations:
PCC Car Park, Back Lane, Newtown - Tuesday 12th May
PCC Car Park adjacent to Somerfield, Welshpool - Wednesday 13th May
Groe Car Park, Builth Wells - Thursday 14th May
PCC Car Park adjacent to the Tourist Information Centre, Brecon - Friday 15th May
Checks will take place on all 4 days from 09:30 – 16:30.
The checks are free and will only take a few minutes to complete. For any further information about the Check Days or any aspect of In Car Safety, please ring the Road Safety Unit on 0845 6076060.
16/3/09
Year six pupils from Ysgol Rhys Pritchard were so concerned about speeding outside their school on Llanfair Road that they decided to do something about it. They teamed up with police and the council’s road safety unit as part of a Community Safety Partnership initiative to target speeding motorists.
Pupils used the SID (Speed Indicator Device) to tell motorists if they were driving too fast - it flashed their speed along with a happy face if they were within the limit or a sad face if they were going over the limit.
Drivers who were travelling in excess of 35mph were stopped by officers and were given the option of speaking to the pupils to explain why they were speeding outside their school. In total nine vehicles were stopped for exceeding the speed limit and the drivers agreed to speak with the pupils rather than face possible prosecution. The initiative was well received and the drivers said they would be more compliant with speed limits in future.
Council road safety officer Nicola Davies said: “The safety of children outside schools is paramount. This initiative highlights the dangers and raises awareness of speeding outside schools not only to the drivers, but to the children as well.”
The pupils will use the results of the speeding exercise as part of a class project.
Headteacher Noel Jones said: “I will support any initiative that will reduce speeding outside the school. It was a well-run exercise which proved beneficial to pupils, the community and road users alike.”
Road safety is a key priority for Carmarthenshire’s Community Safety Partnership which is working hard to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.
Partnership chair Mark James said: “Road safety, and speeding in particular, is a major concern for local communities. I hope drivers in Llandovery take heed of this warning and slow down, before someone is injured or killed.
“This is an excellent example of partnership working to highlight this major safety issue and make motorists think twice about the dangers they pose.”
4/3/09
Free Child Car Seat Safety Checks - Just a few minutes of your time can make a difference to your child’s safety.
At the following Fire Stations 10am – 4:30 pm
Bangor 23 March 2009
Caernarfon 23/24March 2009
Porthmadog 24 March 2009
Dolgellau 25 March 2009
Pwllheli 25 March 2009
Holyhead 26 March 2009
Llangefni 27 March 2009
Wil Hughes
County Road Safety Officer
Tel: 01248 752372
Fax: 01248 724839
e-mail:twhht@anglesey.gov.uk |
Heather Lynne Jones
Senior Road Safety Officer
Tel: 01286 679891
Fax: 01286 676119
Mobile: 07867 982518
e-mail: heatherlynnejones@gwynedd.gov.uk |
Download Poster here PDF format 295kb
3/3/09
Motorists with many years of experience on the road have brushed up on their motoring skills thanks to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s new safety initiative. Following a trial scheme held at the end of last year, the first Mature Driver’s Session took place this week with over a dozen drivers of pensionable age taking to the road again and learning all about the changes to driving laws and methods.
The majority of motorists who suffer serious injuries or fatalities due to collisions on the road are often within the 17 to 25 age group and many schemes attempt to tackle this problem by re- training them in an effort to reduce the accident figures. But Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, through their Community Safety Partnership recognised that at present no scheme was available to older motorists, as new regulations to the Highway Code are introduced and different types of hazards occur that may not have been there when they originally passed their test.
The Mature Driver’s Session is now in place so that revised publications of the highway code, an insight into hazard perception and an attempt to identify bad habits that motorists have adopted were brought to light can be addressed.With three independent driving instructors on hand, a group of motorists visited the Safety Zone at Treforest Industrial Estate for the half-day course organized in conjunction with the Road Safety Unit, Driving Standards Agency from the Pontypridd Test Centre.
An initial presentation was given by Ian Meakin, a D.S.A. Senior Driving Examiner and the 12 candidates, who were aged between 60 and 70, were able to use the many facilities on offer. These included a computerised Highway Code theory questions, basic maintenance information and advise, the use of a driving simulator, a practical test on an open road with an instructor to see some of the hazards they could face and an informal eyesight check.
All of the candidates said how much they had benefited from the overall session and strongly recommended that future courses were organized for the benefit of older drivers.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities Cllr John David said: “It is essential that motorists are kept up to date with any changes in the highway code and learn more about the general maintenance issues relating to their vehicles.
“The course also gives them the opportunity to adapt to the modern trends of driving in an effort to ensure their safety and those around them. Understandably, driving methods have changed considerably since many of them first passed their driving test and we all realise that the quantity of vehicles on the road today have increased beyond all imagination compared to 30 or 40 years ago.
“I hope that in the future even more people will realise how essential courses such as these are to protect motorists and pedestrians throughout the county borough and I applaud the work undertaken by the Road Safety Unit in making it such a success.”
20/2/09
Motorists across North Wales are being urged to ensure they belt up. The reminder is being made as part of the on-going TISPOL (European Traffic Police Network) Seatbelt Campaign.
Inspector Karl Rathbone heads the unit that is leading the campaign for the force this year, which will target drivers and passengers who fail or refuse to wear a seatbelt when required to do so.
“It’s simple,” said Insp Karl Rathbone, “wearing a seat belt can mean the difference between life and death in a collision and that goes for both drivers and passengers. It is estimated that around 50,000 lives have been saved since legislation was introduced in 1983 which required drivers and passengers to belt up.”
Across the world 1.2 million people die each year in road collisions, this includes 127,000 people in the European region alone. In addition, road collisions are the biggest killer of Europeans between 5-24 years old with a shocking 32,000 young lives lost every year. For every death it's estimated there are 20 serious injuries and 70 people requiring outpatient treatment. The grief of relatives and friends left behind is immeasurable and the aftermath monetary cost in terms of health services and society is enormous.
Insp Rathbone added: “Alcohol and seatbelt avoidance cause 10,000 fatalities each year and education and enforcement have proved to be the most effective way of improving road safety - basically - where campaigns take place accidents fall. “As a police service we are duty bound to manage down not just collisions but the risk of collisions occurring, and our own statistics show us that here in Wales, we need to concentrate on preventing people, particularly young drivers who are most at risk of being involved in serious collisions, from being killed or seriously injured'.
He added: “Its always easy to provide figures, numbers and statistics but the reality is brought home when my staff have to attend some really awful and unnecessary collisions and then have to knock on the door of those left behind with a message that's not only difficult to give but unimaginably difficult to receive.”
17/2/09
Young people in Blackwood were all revved up recently when a top-of-the-range sports car rolled into town to help highlight important road safety messages. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS), and members of the Community Safety Partnership, led on the initiative entitled ‘Operation Cruise’, in partnership with the council and Gwent Police.
Road Safety Officers from the SWFRS drove into Blackwood town centre in an Aston Martin DB9, which caused quite a stir amongst local youngsters.The initiative, which was the creation of SWFRS Group Manager Rob Morris, had the initial aim of attracting young people to come and have a look at the impressive car, during which time Road Safety Officers provided them with educational road safety messages via an informative computerised presentation. Rob Morris said, “Through consultation with our partner agencies, a number of concerns were identified regarding youths with cars congregating in local community car parks and similar amenities. It became apparent that the average age group of the youths associated with these gatherings and anti social behaviour is also the age group identified as being most at risk of being killed or seriously injured in a road traffic accident - males aged between sixteen and twenty four. We saw this as an ideal opportunity to get important road safety messages out to local youngsters, including messages about speed, use of mobile telephones, seat belts, distraction and peer pressure - the initial attraction of coming to have a look at the Aston Martin DB9 provided a great platform for us to get our messages across.
”Feedback gained from the initiative has been extremely positive, with many young drivers displaying a great interest in the messages being delivered. Following on from the success of this initiative SWFRS, as part of the Safer Caerphilly Community Safety Partnership, intend to organise further similar operations across the area in the near future.
10/2/09
Cases of motorists taking dangerous and illegal risks at level crossings in Wales are at a five-year high. Network Rail said there were 400 incidents at level crossings and nearly 30 near misses, where trains narrowly avoided hitting motorists, in 2008.
The company is calling for changes so that tougher sentences can be handed out to offenders.
It released disturbing CCTV footage of a near-miss incident at Llangadog, Carmarthenshire in July 2006.
View the video here
The video had already been viewed by a judge at Swansea before he sentenced the driver, who lived locally, and had his wife and young son in the car at the time.
The motorist admitted dangerous driving, claiming he did not see the flashing lights and failed to notice cars waiting at the crossing.
The motorist was given 12 month suspended sentence and ordered to complete 180 hours of community service. He was also disqualified from driving, made to take an extended test after 12 months and fined £722.
In another incident near Welshpool in Powys in September, 2008 a train travelling at 70mph and with 140 passengers on board clipped the back of a lorry on a crossing.
The motorist was prosecuted after pleading guilty to failing to phone the signal box for permission to cross. One person was hurt and the motorist was sentenced to a suspended four month sentence and fined.
Network Rail chief executive Iain Coucher said: Network Rail chief executive Iain Coucher said: "The toughest consequence of breaking the law at a level crossing is to lose your life - thankfully that doesn't happen very often. But every week we see people who ignore warning signs and lights or drive round barriers at level crossings just to save a few minutes."
"This reckless behaviour has the potential for massive damage, disruption and death.
"We think that the judiciary penalties received need to reflect the seriousness of these crimes, and are calling on the judiciary to consider all these factors when handing down sentences."
A TV and radio advertising campaign, which launched in November, is being aired again this month.
Mr Croucher added: "We hope that increased awareness of the dangers of taking risks at level crossings, couple with tough sentences for those caught breaking the law, will act as a deterrent and help bring down the number of offences and ultimately save lives."
8/2/09
Banners and posters have been sent to schools and neighbourhood policing teams in Rhondda Cynon Taf as part of the high-profile Partnership Parking scheme to stop offending motorists. The eye-catching “warn and inform” packs support the campaign to target those who put lives at risk by parking illegally and inconsiderately outside schools.
Pupils, teachers, police and road safety officers will erect banners and hand out leaflets to educate drivers and warn them they face enforcement if they don’t change their behaviour.
It is hoped this effort, as well as the other processes followed via Partnership Parking, will finally have a positive impact on the age-old issue of parking and congestion outside schools.
For years, agencies have battled to deal with the problem, which has seen cars parked illegally on zig zag and yellow lines, causing congestion in already-narrow roads.
Buses, taxis and other vehicles attempt to pass through and manoeuvre and, amid the chaos, young children attempt to cross the road, risking serious injury or worse.
Until recently, each school and their governing body worked individually, with the support of their neighbourhood policing and road safety officers, to deal with their specific issues.
However, Partnership Parking has been launched across RCT to deliver a consistent approach to the issue. It has been designed and delivered by South Wales Police and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Road Safety Unit and was launched, to national acclaim, by Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones.
It puts in place a clear process where hot spot areas are identified, evidence is gathered, including by officers using headcams, and fines are issued to offenders.
Sgt Richie Gardner, of South Wales Police, helped devise the scheme. He said: “This issue has been a priority for years and, despite huge effort, motorists are not getting the message.
“We have put in place operations across the county in a bid to combat the problem and are now rolling out a uniform approach in a bid to secure success.
“We will continue to educate and engage with parents and carers to change behaviour but they need to understand the law and play their part to increase road safety – there are lives at risk.
“We were pleased to secure Government backing for the scheme and know other authorities are watching its progress, with a view to rolling it out across the region.”
Cllr Eudine Hanagan, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, added: “We are proud of the initiatives we have in place to ensure children make their way to school safely, such as walking buses, car shares and more.
“But the good work is being undermined by those who continue to park illegally, believing it is acceptable for them to stop ‘just for a second’ to drop off their own child. They do not understand the wider impact of everyone doing that and the danger it puts other people’s children in.
“I am sure this scheme will deliver the message to them and stop this problem once and for all.”
Cllr Andrew Morgan, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways, added: “Irresponsible parking and stopping outside schools poses a dangerous risk to children and we are committed to making best use of this innovative new scheme to make a difference and save lives.
“Partnership parking has already attracted national attention and acclaim and we will work for as long as it takes to make our roads and communities a safer place for motorists, residents and pedestrians.”
6/2/09
A new road safety sign has been erected in Pembroke in a bid to discourage drivers from speeding.
The speed activated sign has been installed at the bottom of Well Hill near Golden Grove Community School. It was jointly funded by Pembrokeshire County Council and Chevron.
Local County Councillor Aden Brinn, who has been canvassing for a safety sign, said he was grateful to both organisations for their help and support in installing it.
Pictured with the new sign are (L-R): Councillor Jamie Adams, Cabinet Member for Highways and Planning; Councillor Aden Brinn and Phil Thompson of Chevron.
5/2/09
The North Wales Road Safety Group has launched a campaign to raise awareness amongst drivers of the importance of regular eyesight checks. There are indications that more than one third of drivers are putting themselves and others at risk because of poor and uncorrected eyesight.
Recent tests carried out by Specsavers Opticians as part of its Drive Safe Roadshow, measured drivers’ long distance vision in North Wales and uncovered some shocking results. The tests indicated that as many as 40% of drivers are unlikely to meet the required standards for safe driving and that over half (57%) had not had an eye test in the past two years as recommended by experts.
These results echo the findings of an earlier report by the Royal Institute of the Blind that stated that there is a “worrying complacency about eye health amongst drivers.”
As a result of this information, the North Wales Road Safety Group, with support from Specsavers, are encouraging drivers to have regular eyesight checks and to always wear their prescribed spectacles or contact lenses for driving. Drivers who should wear glasses or lenses for driving are also strongly advised to carry a spare pair in their vehicle at all times.
It is well known that eyesight can deteriorate rapidly in those over 50 years old, but it is also important to realise that younger people can have problems with their sight. There is no legal requirement for drivers to take an eyesight test once they pass the Test and only have to make a declaration of their ability to see to the required standard on renewing their licence at 70 years old.
Launching the campaign at the Galeri in Caernarfon on 2nd February, Chief Inspector Gary Ashton from North Wales Police’s Operational Support Division said: “Good eyesight is vital for safe driving. At last year’s Denbigh and Flint Show 40% of people who took part in voluntary eye testing at the Drive Safe Roadshow failed the eyesight test, which is the ability to read a normal car number plate from a distance of 20 metres (20.5 metres for old style plates used before September 2001).
He added; “Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 it is an offence to drive with uncorrected eyesight. We urge people to have to have their vision regularly tested and if they have glasses or contact lenses to wear them when driving.”
North Wales Road Safety Group chairman, Dafydd Edwards, added: “We rely almost 100% on our eyesight for all the information we need to gather and assimilate when we are driving. Therefore, it is imperative that all drivers ensure they meet the minimum requirements and have regular checks.”
David Fisher, Llandudno store director for Specsavers, who are supporting the campaign said: “Most of the patients we see are already aware of the importance of having regular eye tests, so there's only a small minority that fail the driving standard. We tend to find that those failing the standard are usually either teenagers that are just starting their driving lessons, or those over the age of 70 years with eyesight that has deteriorated faster than they'd realised.
"However, the most 'at risk' group are those who don't have regular eye tests, as they may be unaware that their eyesight isn't up to scratch, making them a real danger to themselves and other road users.
He added: "We hope that by supporting the North Wales Road Safety Group's Driver Eyesight Awareness Campaign that we will encourage drivers to think of having regular eye tests as being a necessary safety check, just like an MOT."
Road Safety teams will be organising road shows throughout North Wales in an effort to encourage drivers to have regular checks. They will invite drivers to take a simple test of reading a number plate at 20 metres and will distribute leaflets and lens cleaning cloths carrying the campaign message.
3/2/09
South Wales Police is urging members of the public to take extra care on the roads because of inclement weather conditions.
Assistant Chief Constable Nick Croft said:
“I would urge motorists to consider whether their journey is absolutely necessary before setting out.
“There have been a number of minor collisions as a result of current driving conditions and I would advise drivers to take additional care when travelling.
“Where possible, drivers should make use of main roads and avoid less used routes, allow extra time for their journey and ensure they allow an appropriate distance between them and the vehicle ahead.
“We are working hard to meet the additional demands placed upon us as a result of bad weather conditions and I would ask the public to try and avoid phoning police for traffic information as this simply adds to the volume of calls that control room staff are already dealing with as a result of bad weather.
27/1/09
Dyfed Powys Police are clamping down on people who drive illegally. A campaign is being run to make people aware that if they drive without insurance they will have their car seized. The campaign includes bill board and bus advertising and is accompanied by enforcement activity.
Dyfed Powys Police seized 1,300 vehicles between January and November 2008 where drivers had no insurance or were driving not in accordance with a licence.
Chief Inspector Steve Matchett of the Roads Policing Unit said: “Our aim is to allow law-abiding people to use the roads safely by targeting those who are intent on using them unlawfully or for unlawful purposes.
“Previous experience has shown that the persons driving without the correct documents are also more likely to show disrespect for other road laws potentially putting other people in danger.
“If you are driving illegally and you are stopped by police your vehicle will be seized. It will then cost you to get it released and if you don’t pay within a certain time limit your vehicle will be crushed.
“Drivers sometimes think they will not bother with the cost of insurance. However if you drive your vehicle on a road you have a responsibility to ensure everything about the vehicle and yourself is legal. You require a valid driving licence and valid insurance.”
21/1/09
Police in Wales stopped almost twice as many drivers in the festive drink-drive crackdown compared to last year, latest figures from forces reveal. Although the proportion of those who had been drink-driving had almost halved, police were still "disappointed" with the results.
More than 36,000 motorists were stopped from 1 December to 1 January, and more than 600 were arrested. In the same period a year ago, 19,554 drivers were stopped and 587 arrested.
North Wales Police 10,749
Positive, refused or failed to provide 142
Dyfed-Powys Police 3,943
Positive, refused or failed to provide 177
South Wales Police 7,466
Positive, refused or failed to provide 207
Gwent Police 13,924
Positive, refused or failed to provide 126
Source: North Wales Police, 1 Dec 2008-1 Jan 2009
In 2007 North Wales Police carried out 6,986 breath tests which resulted in 145 positive results. In comparison, during the 2006 campaign 4,404 breath tests were administered with 144 being positive.
Chief Superintendent John Turton, of the force's operational support division, said: "It is disappointing that drivers still put their own lives and other road user's lives at risk, just to have a drink, with over 600 people caught over the drink drive limit throughout Wales during the month-long campaign.
"People do not seem to have heeded the very real warnings about the dangers of drinking and driving - the drivers caught by officers throughout Wales have blatantly put their own lives and the lives of others at risk."
Transport minister Ieuan Wyn Jones, commenting on the released figures, said: "Drink-driving ruins lives. Too many motorists are still not heeding this very clear message, so we will continue to work hard with the police to tackle this. The Christmas campaign resulted in more drivers being breathalysed in Wales than ever before, this shows just how seriously this issue is being taken."
Across forces in England and Wales, 25,000 more motorists were stopped in the campaign, leading to 9,148 arrests.
Gwent Police's chief constable Mick Giannasi, who is responsible for roads policing across England and Wales, said it was worrying some drivers see themselves as "above the law" and were willing to put lives at risk.
"Driving under the influence of any substance, whether it is alcohol or drugs is not acceptable.
"Alcohol and drugs can impair your ability to judge speed and distances, reduce concentration and delay reaction speed."
21/1/09
Do you have a friend who drives too fast? Do they love the thrill of speeding, making dangerous moves on the roads, driving too close behind other cars and are generally too arrogant behind the wheel? If you answered yes to any of the above, you have a deadly mate, say North Wales Police. The force, in conjunction with McDonald's; have launched a campaign aimed at educating young drivers of the dangers of driving too fast.
During the campaign - which is being piloted in Bangor and Caernarfon, promotional material offering young drivers advice on how to stay safe in their vehicles will be handed out by staff at both fast food outlets. Posters displaying the messages will also be placed in the areas leading up to the drive-thru areas.
Chief Inspector Gary Ashton from North Wales Police's Operational Support Division said: "Young drivers are more likely to be involved in road traffic collisions than anyone else. Figures also show that they are also responsible for around one in five of all accidents where someone is killed or seriously injured.
"Some young drivers often believe themselves to be better drivers than they area. Unfortunately, on occasions, they lack judgement, drive too fast for the road conditions and overestimate their skill. We have all seen the deadly results of bad driving and the effect it has on families of the victims.
He added: "Some young drivers are putting their own life and the lives of their friends at risk. The aim of the Deadly Mates campaign is to make young drivers and their passengers think about the real consequences of irresponsible behaviour behind the wheel."
Franchisee of the McDonald's outlets in Bangor and Caernarfon, Phil Lowndes said: "This is a really important campaign which is trying to reach a historically difficult age group.
"We are pleased to be assisting North Wales Police with their campaign and hope it's a success. Colleagues in other outlets have already shown an interest in what we are doing and hopefully, if it's successful, we can roll out the scheme to other restaurants in North Wales."
He explained that on average McDonalds in both Bangor and Caernarfon serve approx. 40,000 orders a month, which equates to around 80,000 people, "If we can save one life by simply distributing the leaflets and displaying the posters then it's worth it."
19-year-old David Evans from Penygroes, who is also an employee of McDonald's thinks it a good idea. He said: "A lot of my friends drive and they also regularly use the drive-thru facilities in McDonalds. I think this will be a good way of communicating with young drivers in a positive way."
Fact:
During 2008 a total of 13 people, aged 16 to 25, were killed on the roads of North Wales compared to 4 in 2007.
Further information regarding the campaign can be obtained via the Deadly Mates website - www.deadlymates.com
Deadly Mates Posters Deadly Mates Leaflets
20/1/09
Schoolchildren have “laid” down the law when it comes to selfish and irresponsible drivers who put their young lives at risk. Pupils and staff at Porth’s Llwyncelyn Infants and Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llwyncelyn held a hard-hitting exercise to put the brakes on illegal parking outside their schools.
They laid down on the zig-zag and warning lines to get the message across to parents and carers that they were parking on the lives of children with their illegal driving. The exercise forms part of the ongoing work by pupils, staff and governors, supported by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Road Safety Officers and the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Illegal and inconsiderate parking outside schools is an issue faced across the county, with parents believing it is acceptable to stop on the zig zag lines for “just a minute” in order to pick up or collect “their” child. What they do not understand is the combined impact of scores of motorists doing just that, causing congestion in the narrow roads outside schools.
With cars parked illegally on the lines and badly in other parts of the street, buses and other traffic struggle to pass and, in the heart of the chaos, children try to cross the road between. The schools have decided enough is enough and a plan of action has been put in place, which will eventually see the arrival of a county-wide enforcement and education scheme put in place.
In the meantime, letters have been sent home to parents and the school’s Junior Road Safety Officers have been handing out leaflets to motorists outside the school gates. Special assemblies have been held where children and staff plead with motorists to consider their driving outside the school. And pupils have taken part in a competition to design leaflets, posters and banners that will form part of the ongoing drive to stop the offending.
Llwyncelyn Infants Headteacher, Sian Harkin explained: “Our concern is for the safety of all children who attend the school and, unfortunately, some parents feel it does not apply to them. They are just concerned about their parking and their children.
“Challenging motorists about their parking and driving habits has become an almost daily experience and we spend as much time as we can outside in a bid to stop the offending and protect children. These drivers have no idea just how much they reduce visibility and endanger young people.”
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llwyncelyn Head Eirwyn Jos added: “This is an issue that is of concern for all of us and we are determined to work in partnership to put the brakes on it, once and for all.
“Our children have shown great commitment and imagination when it comes to getting this message across and we will keep working to educate, and support enforcement, where needed, to protect safety.”
Pc Nigel Bird of the Neighbourhood Policing Team, added: “This issue has been raised in recent PACT meetings and we are taking it very seriously. We will be taking action with regards to illegal parking and will work in partnership in the long-term to resolve this issue.”
Cllr Eudine Hanagan, Cabinet Member with responsibility for schools, added: “This is an issue that, regrettable, affects most of our schools and it has to stop.
“The work at these schools in Porth is inspiring and we are committed to supporting them, via our Road Safety Unit, to ensure they can protect our younger generations.
“This work will be complemented by the roll-out of the partnership parking initiative, which is the first of its kind in Wales and has been designed by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and police to put in place a process to deal with these offenders - wherever they are.”
Cllr Andrew Morgan, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways, added: “This is a frustrating issue as parents do not believe their individual action of stopping on a yellow line to drop off a child makes an impact.
“They need to understand the combined impact of hundreds of people doing that. It causes chaos and puts other people’s children in danger. They have a part to play and I hope they learn the lesson from education, not enforcement.”
19/1/09
In 2008 the Multimedia Anti Drink Drive Competition replaced the annual poster competition. To promote the anti drinking and driving message, schools and youth organisations were invited to devise, perform and record a live action multimedia presentation to warn people of the dangers and/or consequences of drinking and driving.
The winning entry for each region was presented with a prize of £500 for the school/organisation they represented and additional prizes were awarded to individual team members by Ieuan Wyn Jones, Deputy First Minister and Minster for the Economy and Transport, at the All Wales Drink Drive launch at the Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon, on Thursday 27 November.
| Region |
Winner |
Highly Commended |
| North Wales |
Jack Cowley and Jordan O’Brien
Saltney Youth Centre, Flintshire |
 |
Castell Alun High School, Flintshire |
 |
| Dyfed Powys |
Troedrhiwdalar Young Farmers Club, Powys |
 |
Tom Van Hamer, Aman Valley Comprehensive, Carmarthenshire |
 |
| Gwent |
The Really Wild, Abertillery Comprehensive, Blaenau Gwent |
 |
Llantarnam High School, Torfaen |
 |
| South Wales |
Birchgrove Comprehensive, Swansea |
 |
Mountain Ash Comprehensive, Rhondda Cynon Taf |
 |
Click on the above video thumbnails above to see each competition entry.
The videos are large in file size, we recommend a broadband connection for best playback.
13/1/09
Rob Hughes who lives near Llandrindod Wells is the first Powys recipient of the Pass Plus Cymru quarterly prize. Rob’s name was drawn from a list of all participants, throughout Wales, who returned their evaluation form on completion of the Young Driver’s Course. Rob won £250, which has been donated by GEM Motoring Assist.
On receiving his prize, Rob said: “I hadn’t done any motorway driving before and it gave me confidence with motorway and city driving. I found the whole experience very beneficial.”
Gareth Evans, Drive On Instructor and Pass Plus Cymru Presenter said: “I think the Pass Plus Cymru scheme is a worthwhile course to do as it gives the new driver a lot of on-road experience and helpful advice. Young drivers also have the possible benefit of an insurance discount for the small sum of £20.”
The course consists of a theory session and practical session, which are carried out by Approved Driving Instructors. Once completed, young drivers may be entitled to reduced motor insurance costs. The scheme is aimed at 17 to 25 year olds who hold a full driving licence.
Training courses are being run in Powys throughout the year. For further information, please contact the Road Safety Unit on 01597 826637. Alternatively you can book a place on your chosen course by ringing 0845 050 4255 or visit www.dragondriver.com.
Visit GEM Motoring Assist www.motoringassist.com
6/1/09
A Car Confidence Course took place recently over three consecutive Monday afternoons at the Road Safety Resource Centre in Cwmbran.
Drivers who felt they lacked confidence in their driving skills were invited to come along to discuss their issues and get help and advice to build their confidence. The advice and help came from a representative from the IAM Gwent group and a local approved driving instructor.
Those who took part were also given the opportunity to find out about further training. All the participants felt the course had helped them to gain an insight into their own driving issues and helped them to gain confidence in their driving skills.
