Welcome to Road Safety Wales
23/5/12
Residents and businesses along the route of the Olympic torch relay in Wales are being warned to expect significant disruption. Rolling road closures will be in place and big crowds are expected along parts of the route.
Bus companies are warning passengers to check before travelling because services may be disrupted.
The torch arrives in Monmouthshire on Friday and travels around Wales before heading back into England on 30 May.
An average of 115 torch bearers a day will carry the flame during its journey before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium on 27 July for the opening ceremony of the games. Organisers say 95% of the country's population should be within one hour of the route.
The torch relay arrives in Wales on Friday morning, heading into Monmouth, before visiting Abergavenny, Brynmawr, Blaenavon, Abersychan, Pontypool, Newport and ending the day in Cardiff.
The torch will travel around Wales until Wednesday, 30 May taking in locations including Swansea, Aberystwyth, Bangor, Anglesey, Llandudno, Wrexham and Welshpool.
Motorists are being warned they may need to find alternative routes and allow extra time for journeys due to road closures.
Read More on the BBC website here
1/5/12
Ceredigion’s Road Safety Team, along with other agencies recently attended a Farm safety event at Bont Pavilion. The purpose of the evening was to raise awareness regarding health and safety issues
that surround the farming industry. “The agriculture sector is responsible for 20% of fatalities to workers each year in the UK”
The event was a great success and drivers of all ages were targeted, learner drivers and also those who wanted to test their hazard awareness and emergency braking had the chance to do so with the Driving Simulator. Older generations were offered advisory eye tests using the eyesight vision screener.
Farming is at the centre of Ceredigion’s heart, and ensuring safety while in charge of vehicles is vital to maintain Road Safety throughout the county.
22/3/12
The 11th Wales Road Safety Awards are presented in recognition of individuals, groups and organisations that have made a real commitment to road safety - above and beyond what would normally have been expected of them. Award recipients are not road safety professionals, but they have been undertaking road safety professionally. The Awards were presented by Meryl James MBE.
Within 10 years Duffryn Community Link has grown from a community led group of volunteers to a business with 37 employees. Its agenda is the improvement of the quality of life of its residents by empowering them to be in control. They have become involved with Brake Road Safety Week and arrange activities in and around the community to promote road safety. Wherever a road safety problem exists, DCL are willing and able to volunteer their services to promote safety in their community. See website.
Dawn Elliot, Graham Andrews of DCL and Meryl James
Aeden O'Neill is a local firefighter in Merthyr Tydfil who has worked in partnership with the local authorities Road Safety Section as a cycle instructor since 2009. Each year on average 450 children receive National Standards cycle training. Since Aeden was recruited he has gone on to expand his cycling qualifications. Aeden has proved to be an invaluable support to the Road Safety section and has become in many respects the third member of their team. He has worked hard for the community above and beyond what was asked.
Aeden O'Neill and Meryl James
Keith Samuels has been a Kerbcraft volunteer for 5 years. He is based at Johnston Infants School but also volunteers in two other schools. He transports other volunteers between schools and recruits volunteers, refusing any reward offered. He has been volunteering since he was 19 years old and on a recent holiday in USA took his Kerbcraft jacket where he explained the scheme to members of NYPD!
Keith Samuels and Meryl James
Angela Smith has been a road safety campaigner since her elder son was killed in a car crash in 2005. She has helped launch numerous Road Safety Campaigns specifically targeting young drivers. Her life is committed to Road Safety and raising the awareness of the dangers of irresponsible driving, helping to save lives and reduce casualties through educating young drivers.
Angela Smith and Meryl James
The Llandrindod Youth Club greatly assisted the Powys Road Safety Unit with the research prior to the launch of Fatal4law, the social network based scheme aimed at young passengers. The club members provided numerous ideas for a short film and went on to appear in The Mission: Fatal4law, which can be seen on YouTube. Alyson Broome of Powys Road Safety Unit collected their award on their behalf.
Alyson Broome and Meryl James
Roger Greenaway has worked with Pembrokeshire Road Safety Unit since 1999 as a Cycling Instructor, training over 1,500 children and numerous adult/senior cyclists. Over the last 13 years, as a Road Safety Trainer, Roger has become involved in many road safety initiatives such as Top Drive, CTC and Walk to School.
Roger Greenaway and Meryl James
27/2/12
A pilot awareness scheme about mobility scooter safety is being launched by Cardiff Council's Road Safety Team, in conjunction with The Wales Mobility and Driving Assessment Centre at Rookwood Hospital. It is the first scooter safety course to be set up in Wales.
Each year in the UK, mobility scooters are considered to be responsible for as many as 150 people being injured or killed in accidents. The aim of the Scooter Safe seminar is to advise people on safety issues relating to the safe use of mobility scooters and to assist people on how to use their mobility scooter, together with advice on the law and the Highway Code. The seminar consists of a classroom theory session followed by a practical training session at the Road Safety Centre at Maindy.
The event will take place on Friday, March 9 between and 1pm and 4pm.
Executive Member for Sport, Culture and Leisure, Cllr Neil McEvoy, said: "It's important that all road users know the rules of the road. The pilot course will offer great advice to those who use mobility scooters and I hope this will be the first of many."
For further information about the course contact the Road Safety Centre on 029 2078 8521
3/2/12
School children across Newport learned about the importance of Road Safety with the help of a magician and two friendly puppets. The pupils of St. Julian’s Primary School gave the show the seal of approval with a thumbs-up all round.
During his recent visit to Newport, Road Safety magician and entertainer Louis Taylor visited 11 primary schools armed with his puppets Mr Rocco and Billy Beacon, magic tricks and serious road safety messages of “Stop, Look and Listen”, “Be Safe Be Seen” and “Always Use a Seatbelt” when travelling in cars. Louis uses a variety of techniques to stimulate children’s road safety awareness, including magic, drama and comical puppets.
The shows have been developed to get across the basic messages of holding a grown-up’s hand, for the younger children; and stopping at the kerb, looking and listening, every time you cross the road, for the older ones. The visits to schools were organised by John Jackson, Road Safety Officer with Capita Symonds on behalf of Newport City Council, who have funded the Louis Taylor Road Safety visits to Newport for the past three years.
John Jackson said: “The Louis Taylor Road Safety Shows are great fun for children of all ages, yet they deliver very important Life Skill messages that the children remember and talk about for a long time”.
In the attached photograph are pupils from St Julian’s Primary School with Louis Taylor and Mr Rocco.
For further information: contact John Jackson at Capita Symonds, 01633 412705, John.e.jackson@capita.co.uk
6/1/12
The dedication of people who ensure the safety of children on the roads in the Vale of Glamorgan, has been recognised. The Vale of Glamorgan Council paid tribute to its school crossing patrols and volunteers involved with the child pedestrian training scheme, Kerbcraft, were thanked for their work.
Their professionalism and enthusiasm in providing safe crossing points and equipping children with skills to stay safe, in the Kerbcraft scheme, over the past 12 months was rewarded in a ceremony held in Barry. The school crossing patrol of the year award went to Jean Hatter, who has been a stalwart of the service since 1998.
For Kerbcraft, Elizabeth Matthews, was the standout volunteer, who has worked above and beyond the call of duty for several years, sometimes at both All Saints and Jenner Park Primary Schools in Barry.
Other area winners were Helen Wilkinson, from Eagleswell Primary School, for the Llantwit Major and rural Vale area, who in her dual role as dinner lady and school crossing patrol is an important part of the school community.
For the Barry Area, mobile officer, Katie Coates was mentioned for spending most of the past year covering St Helen’s Infants and Ysgol Sant Curig. Katie has worked as a school crossing patrol for almost 15 years.
For Penarth, Sully and Dinas Powys, Elaine Storey, had helped pupils from a variety of schools in Penarth on Redlands Road. With nearly 12 years of service to her name, she has always been creative and innovative with ideas to support her role.
Head of planning and transportation, Rob Thomas, paid tribute to both services. He said: "The success of any scheme relies upon the commitment and dedication of the individuals involved, be it on a voluntary basis or in a paid role. To remain enthusiastic and continue to smile while standing in the pouring rain takes a very dedicated individual."
Since its launch in Wales in 2002, child pedestrian training has involved almost 4,000 children in the Vale of Glamorgan alone.
A presentation was also made to the winners of the Road Safety Christmas Card Competition, which had more than 300 entries.
The overall winner was Robyn Walters from St Andrews Major School, Dinas Powys, with Gen Pipps of Llandough and Tyler Carter of Cadoxton as runners-up.
4/1/12
Volunteers and members of staff that help ensure Caerphilly county borough schoolchildren are safe and know all about road safety were thanked for their hard work recently, at the annual School Crossing Patrol and Road Safety Seminar.
The event, which brought together dedicated Kerbcraft volunteers, Road Safety officers and School Crossing Patrol officers from across the county borough, aimed to thank everyone for their hard work this year, and take a look at new road safety initiatives for the forthcoming year.
Cllr Rob Gough, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Engineering and Transport said, "Our Road Safety team, together with a network of volunteers and School Crossing Patrol officers work tirelessly to help ensure our local youngsters know all about the importance of road safety, and to ensure their safety coming to, and going home from school".
He continued, "We have a wide variety of initiatives, such as the Kerbcraft Scheme and Walking Buses, which really help to educate our children about keeping safe when out and about, and I am delighted that those who work so hard to ensure these vital schemes are able to come to fruition have been thanked at our annual road safety seminar".
A special mention was given to Ysgol Y Lawnt, who as well as entertaining guests with their choir, also hold the record for the biggest walking bus in Caerphilly county borough.
Mr Griffiths, Head teacher of Ysgol Gynradd Cymraeg Caerffili was also thanked for his commitment and enthusiasm for leading the Walking Bus for almost eight years every Friday throughout the year.
The Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough Council, Cllr Vera Jenkins, also offered her personal thanks to the Kerbcraft volunteers, for their commitment in bringing the subject of road safety and the roadside to pupils across Caerphilly county borough. She also presented two 25 years service awards for School Crossing Patrols to Mrs Barker and Mrs Wheeler and one for a retirement after 24 years service to Mrs Philpot.
Cllr Rob Gough closed the seminar and thanked all the Road Safety team for their continued commitment and hard work and reminded all present that even one alcoholic drink can effect your judgment and reaction times - so the message is 'none for the road'.
For more information, contact the Road Safety team on 01495 235 402, or for information on School Crossing Patrols, contact Sandra Bennett on 01495 235 109 or go to the Road Safety web pages
3/1/12
An innovative joint road safety partnership for Gwynedd, Anglesey and the three emergency services has been officially launched at a road safety event at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, Glynllifon.
The first agreement of its kind in Wales means that the Gwynedd-Môn Road Safety Partnership will see road safety teams from Gwynedd Council, the Isle of Anglesey County Council, North Wales Police, the Wales Ambulance Service and the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service working together to ensure safety on the roads in both counties.
Dermot O’Leary from the Wales Ambulance Service and Partnership Chairman said: “The new road safety partnership for Anglesey and Gwynedd brings together the skills and experience of the emergency services and local authorities as a taskforce which aims to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads. All too often we witness the tragic consequences of collisions and their lasting effects on local communities, and by working together in a focused and intelligence led way, we can target vulnerable and high risk groups and drive home the message that safety on the road is no accident.”
The aim of the new partnership is to ensure that all partner agenencies work together to ensure a coordinated road safety message across Gwynedd and Anglesey.
As part of the event, the Gwynedd - Môn Road Safety Partnership’s new website - www.dffgwyneddmon.net - was also unveiled. The site will provide a range of advice, information and top tips about staying safe on the roads in both counties.
Councillor Stephen Chruchman, Gwynedd Council’s road safety champion said: “The issue of road safety affects us all and collision statistics in Wales make for grim reading, particularly involving young drivers and passengers aged between 17 and 26. This is why I believe that tackling this issue is a priority for all partnership members and why it is particularly pleasing to see agencies coming together to share a common message. The work of the partnership is already on show through the new website. This resource is key to the success of the partnership and provides excellent facilities and information for people of all ages.”
Huw Percy, Chief Engineer from the Isle of Anglesey County Council noted: It is appropriate for the launch to be hosted at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor since it coincides with current initiatives to train young drivers and to urge youngsters to leave a car if they are worried about a driver going too fast, using a phone or taking drugs or alcohol.”
During the day, Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor students had the opportunity to talk and question road safety officers from all partner agencies, with various events and presentations also held with the aim of driving home the message of road safety amongst young drivers.
Megan Jones from Deiniolen who is a student at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor said: "The new website is a good idea, it will provide a lot of information to help young drivers learn about road safety. Being part of the launch was a very good experience. I’m not a driver yet, but I’ve learned a lot about what I need to think about, and be aware of, when I’m behind a wheel. I think I’ve also learned how to be a more responsible passenger too, and to say something if I feel that the driver is being careless.”
Ben Hughes from Pwllheli is also a student at the college. He added: “I’m not a driver yet, but I intend to use the new website to learn more and to prepare myself for when I do learn to drive. As part of the website launch we had the opportunity to hear about the emergency services officers experiences and to ask questions. I’m very glad to have had the opportunity to attend the event think it is very important for days like this be held so that young people are made aware of road safety. Having access to a website that has all the information will be useful. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to be part of the launch.”
3/1/12
Over 1,300 children from across Pembrokeshire have been given safety advice at this year’s Crucial Crew. The pupils took part in the annual event, at the Withybush Showground in Haverfordwest.
Co-ordinated by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Road Safety Unit, and sponsored by South Hook LNG with support from PowerSafe, Crucial Crew teaches Year 6 pupils from across the County how to deal with various potential dangers and hazards.
Throughout the two-week event professionals from several different agencies gave youngsters advice on how to stay safe on the road, on the beach, on farms and at home.
Now in its 18th year, the event has hosted well over 20,000 children in Pembrokeshire over the years.
Councillor Jamie Adams, Cabinet Member for Highways and Planning, who visited the event last week, thanked all who took part for their commitment and regard for the safety of children in the County.
“Crucial Crew is a brilliant event designed to encourage young people to learn how to react to dangerous situations and to provide an opportunity for them to practice safety skills in an exciting, stimulating and safe environment,” he said.
“The feedback we have is that the children enjoy it and learn valuable lessons.
Mohammed Al Naimi, General Manager of South Hook LNG, is hugely impressed by the event, commenting: “Safety is our top priority at South Hook, so to be able to support such a valuable learning experience for Pembrokeshire youngsters is incredibly rewarding for us.”
Organisations taking part in this year’s event are: Domestic Abuse Forum, Dyfed Powys Police, Food Safety, Maritime Coastguard Agency, Mid and West Wales, Fire Brigade, National Farmers Union, Road Safety, School Transport, Red Cross, Welsh Ambulance Trust, RNLI and Western Power Distribution.
Organisers thanked main sponsors South Hook LNG and also PowerSafe for their financial support and also the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society for providing the event building.
Caption:
Children learnt how to deal with potential dangers and hazards at this year’s Crucial Crew. Pictured with pupils from Narberth CP School are (left to right); John Gobbi, county road safety officer, Laura Allen-Clarke, community liaison co-ordinator at South Hook LNG, Paul Deverson from Powersafe, Rebecca Evans and Ghislane Davies from South Hook LNG, Jim Moffat, health and safety manager at South Hook LNG, Steve Bryant, group manager at Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Chief Superintendant Dean Richards, and Simon Pearson, station manager for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
16/12/11
A film by Pupils at Lewis School, Pengam, in the Caerphilly County Borough, is the 2011 Gwent Regional winner of the all Wales Multi Media Competition
The central feature of the film is a haunting song written and produced by 17 year old Richard Morgan. The lyrics gently speak about the devastating effect on family and friends after someone has lost their life in a d
rink drive crash.
“Just one life, so don’t drink and drive
It’s too late to change it now
It’s too late . . . .the damage is done”
The video footage, produced by Amanda Lever compliments the music track by subtly illustrating the long-term emotional damage to family and friends following a fatal drink drive crash.
“Forget the life you left behind
Find a way . . . to start it again”
The film has been loaded onto YouTube and can be viewed by clicking here
The competition is an annual event organised by Road Safety Wales.
To promote the anti drinking and driving message, schools and 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.
‘Find a Way’, is a strong and sobering message to all drivers who still think that they can drink and drive.
For further information: contact Penny Thorpe at Capita Symonds, 01633 463376, penny.thorpe@capita.co.uk
15/12/11
The annual Welsh Road Safety Awards recognise the good road safety practice, innovative projects and personal contributions being undertaken in Wales. The Award Scheme publicises and raises awareness of the contributions towards road casualty reduction targets.
Nominations should be submitted on the form below, (accompanied by any relevant supporting material) no later than . Winners will be invited to receive their Award at the Road Safety Wales Convention lunch on Wednesday 7 March at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells.
Award winners will receive £100 and a souvenir gift.
Click here for the nomination form.
Please return completed forms to:
Road Safety Wales, RoSPA, 2 Cwrt-y-Parc, Llanishen, Cardiff CF14 5GH
Tel: 029 2025 0600 Fax: 029 2025 0601 E-mail: jbibby@rospa.com
7/11/11
The community of Ystrad can give itself a pat on the back for its extraordinary effort to keep pupils safe! The arrival of the Green Cone scheme at Bodringallt Primary and YGG Bodringallt is as a result of residents coming together to help raise the funds needed for the essential scheme.
The Green Cone Scheme has been purchased for use outside the schools during busy pick up and drop off times, keeping streets clear and preventing illegal parking on zig-zag and double yellow lines so pupils can make their way to and from school safely.
It is the brainchild of both schools, working with the Rhondda Cynon Taf Road Safety Unit and local PCSO Cherylin Pryor.
To raise the cost of the cones, pupils held a sponsored dance that was supported by the community and even members of the Monday Group, Ystrad Old Age and Llys Ben Bowen sheltered accommodation got involved, holding sponsored armchair aerobics.
The Council’s Road Safety Unit and South Wales Police have gained official permission from the Welsh Government to implement the scheme and are able to place green cones along any part of the carriageway or to reinforce existing road markings where the potential for danger is deemed high.
To fully ensure that children and their guardians are as safe as possible fixed penalty notices can also be issued in extreme situations.
Cabinet Member for Transport, Cllr Andrew Morgan, said: “Children’s safety is of optimum importance and it is essential that is maintained throughout Rhondda Cynon Taf. Parking on corners, at crossroads and on the pavement severely impacts the pedestrian’s view of the road and could have dangerous consequences.
“The ‘Green Cone Scheme’ is the latest in a number of initiatives currently in place throughout the County Borough which aim to improve road safety. From the placement of more than 60 School Crossing Patrols in key locations to the introduction of Junior Road Safety Officers in schools, who help raise awareness of road safety amongst their peers, we aim to ensure that everyone is as safe as possible when using the roads.”
PCSO Cherylin Prior added: "“Parking outside the school regularly cropped up at local PACT meetings.
“We increased visibility in the area, and sent letters to parents, which did have an impact but only temporarily.
“This solution is sustainable, cost effective, and proven to be successful in other parts so I am confident it will make children safer, and make adults more responsible.
“Rest assured we will continue to patrol the area and issue fixed penalty notices to anyone who’s driving is putting the safety of school pupils at risk.
“I’d like to thank everyone who helped raised the money to fund the initiative."
29/9/11
As detailed road casualty figures for Great Britain are published, RoSPA welcomes the significant drops in death and injury but cautions that the success is partly due to unusual economic and weather factors which may not continue in coming years.
Figures published by the Department for Transport today show that 1,850 people were killed in reported road accidents in Great Britain during 2010, a reduction of 372 (17 per cent) on the previous year’s figure. A further 22,660 people were seriously injured (a reduction of eight per cent) and 184,138 people were slightly injured (a reduction of six per cent).
Despite the overall reduction in casualties, there was a disappointing rise in the number of cyclists killed - to 111, an increase of seven (seven per cent) on 2009. The number of cyclists seriously injured also increased, by two per cent to 2,660. The number of casualties in heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) also rose: there was a 100 per cent increase in HGV occupants who were killed - from 14 in 2009 in 28 in 2010 - and a five per cent increase in those who were seriously injured - from 175 in 2009 to 184 in 2010.
The number of children who were killed on the road fell by a third, from 81 in 2009 to 55 in 2010. Deaths and injuries in other high risk groups also fell. Passenger deaths in cars with young drivers fell by 36 per cent from 145 to 93 and young driver deaths fell by 17 per cent from 191 to 158. Pedestrian deaths fell by 19 per cent from 500 to 405 and motorcycle user deaths by 15 per cent from 472 to 403.
The number of people killed in accidents in which a driver was using a mobile phone increased from 15 in 2009 to 28 in 2010.
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA’s head of road safety, said: “In 2010, road deaths on Great Britain’s roads fell well below 2,000 for the first time. This was a fantastic achievement. However, there is still more to be done; if all the reported road accidents in 2010 had been prevented, this would have saved almost £15billion - crucial given the current economic climate.
“During the last three years we have had unusually large drops in the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. This very welcome result is due to the focus we have had on road safety, but also to some external factors such as the economic downturn, falling traffic levels and heavy snowfalls over the last two winters. We need to consider how we can ensure that the major reductions in death and injury do not stop or, even worse, start to increase if the economy picks up and we have milder winters.
“The Strategic Framework for Road Safety along with funding and political support for road safety will be even more important if activity on the road increases over the next few years otherwise we may lose many of the road safety gains made recently.
“And, as good as the reductions in young driver related deaths are, we need to realise that this is partly due to a fall in the proportion of young people holding driving licences and that young driver accidents still account for a quarter of all road deaths.”
12/9/11
A safety campaign is being launched to help protect school crossing patrol officers. Carmarthenshire county council’s road safety unit is launching a ‘Stop Means Stop’ campaign following an increased number of incidents involving motorists failing to stop for lollipop men and women.
Starting in September to coincide with the new school term, the “Stop Means Stop” initiative is aimed at some drivers who fail to stop or are rude and abusive to school crossing patrols. The campaign will be backed up with radio advertising, school banners, posters and leaflets.
Road safety manager Keith Griffiths said: “School crossing patrol officers play a vital role by ensuring school children are provided with a safe route to and from school. They should be able to do this without fear of intimidation and threatening behaviour from some inconsiderate motorists.
“The school crossing patrol team are amongst the most committed group of people that continue to play a very important role in keeping our community a safe and friendly place. The message is quite simple. All road users must stop when a school crossing patrol officer asks them to do so.
“Drivers should allow a little extra journey time if their route takes them through a patrolled area - and be prepared to slow down and stop when requested to do so by a patrol officer."
School crossing patrols were established in the UK in 1954 to assist children cross the road on their way to or from school safely. The famous ‘lollipop stick’ was designed so that details of a vehicle which failed to stop for the school crossing patrol could be chalked on the black panel on the stick head. These details were then forwarded to the local police for them to progress.
Today, every school crossing patrol officer is issued with a notebook to record detailed information about any motorist that fails to stop or continues to drive by when it is obvious that the patrol officer has asked them to stop from the side of the road.
They are encouraged to make a note of the registration number, make, model and colour of vehicle, time of the incident and gender of the driver. Whilst the method may have changed in recent times, the information is still forwarded onto Dyfed Powys Police so they can take appropriate action.
7/9/11
A project to cut the number of shorter car journeys in south Wales is being launched. About 63,000 homes in Cardiff and Penarth will be offered personalised travel advice to reduce those taking the school run and short commutes.
The £4m four-year scheme from the Welsh Government and transport charity Sustrans Cymru will eventually extend to Barry, Caerphilly and Pontypridd. Organisers say even cutting car use for one day a week makes a big difference. The scheme will encourage use of public transport, cycling and walking as alternatives.
The launch at Ysgol Melin Gruffydd, Cardiff is timed to start with the autumn school term, which has led to a surge in peak-time traffic across Wales. One in five cars on the road at 08:50 on a weekday is doing the school run, according to sustainable transport charity Sustrans Cymru.
Director Lee Waters said: "Many pupils are driven from their front doors to the school gates yet the average journey to school for primary aged pupils is just 1.6 miles (2.5km).
"Given the right information about alternative ways to travel, more people could leave their cars at home.
"We'll work with people at school, work and home, helping them to make changes to their daily travel choices when and where it suits them.
"If each family replaced one car journey a week with a more sustainable alternative it can make a big difference."
After working with Cardiff council and the Vale of Glamorgan council - in Penarth - in the first phase of the project, the intention is then to deliver it to Barry, Caerphilly and Pontypridd. It will then be taken to other sustainable transport centres in Wales, beginning with Mon a Menai in the north west next year. Eventually, it will reach more than 100,000 households across Wales, as well as workplaces and schools.
Local Government and Communities Minister Carl Sargeant said: "We are fully committed to delivering a truly sustainable transport system across Wales and by providing people with realistic and enjoyable alternatives to the car we can change people's attitudes towards transport".
He added that the benefits of using sustainable transport are wide-ranging, from "enjoying healthy exercise as you walk or cycle to work to reducing congestion in our towns and cities".
Lisa Ford, executive member for traffic and transportation at Cardiff council, said the council was proud to be involved and hoped the project would "help people consider how they travel and as a result will use forms of sustainable travel for more journeys."
Sustrans says it has already seen great results from similar projects elsewhere in the UK, typically seeing a cut in car trips by around 10%.
28/7/11
The 4th Annual JRSO Get-Together for Vale of Glamorgan Primary Schools was recently held at the Memorial Hall & Theatre in Barry. Over 60 children from 10 primary schools attended one of the biggest events in the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Road Safety Unit calendar.
The Junior Road Safety Officers (JRSOs) from each participating school were joined by teachers & helpers for this special occasion to highlight road safety concerns outside their own schools and to suggest some possible solutions in tackling them, as well as celebrating the success of their achievements over the past year.
It was a particularly special occasion this year as the JRSO Scheme has recently celebrated its 33rd member school joining since it began operating in the Vale of Glamorgan back in 2004/05 - with just 6 schools!
The day included each group of JRSOs making their own presentations of what they have achieved at their own schools to the captive audience; visiting demonstrations by crews from Barry Fire Station, who gave a tour of their fire engine and showed interested parties some of the equipment they used for rescuing people trapped in their vehicles after a road traffic collision; officers from the South Wales Police Road Safety Team in a squad car complete with flashing lights and siren, showing some of the items they use when on duty out on the area’s roads, including a breathalyser and a stinger device; and Phill Whaley from Cardiff Bus showing prospective students how to travel safely on a school bus and when out & about in the summer holidays.
This was then followed by a well-earned buffet lunch, by way of thanks to everyone who contributed to the event and to road safety in the Vale of Glamorgan in general. Each of the JRSOs was presented with goodie-bags as a souvenir of the day to thank them for all their efforts and to remind them to keep spreading the word of road safety!
The Junior Road Safety Officer (JRSO) Scheme is run by the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Road Safety Team as part of a national scheme, which empowers children to highlight road safety issues within their schools. This is achieved by them raising awareness amongst fellow pupils, parents, teachers & their local community under the auspices of the Council’s Road Safety Officers.
Several older primary age children are chosen each year in each member school and are given a JRSO uniform of a cap, badge & hi-vis jacket, together with a folder full of ideas for running competitions and assemblies on a road safety theme in their own schools. With 33 schools already participating, it is eventually hoped that all primary schools will have their own Junior Road Safety Officers in the next few years. Mr John Rogers, JRSO Scheme Organiser said,
‘Yet again the JRSO Get-Together was a huge success. I would like to thank everyone for contributing to such a worthwhile event. The JRSOs were a credit to themselves and the schools they proudly represent and their energy and enthusiasm in spreading the word of road safety was simply amazing. Keep up the great work you are doing!!’
If any primary school is interested in taking part in the Junior Road Safety Officer (JRSO) Scheme, please contact John Rogers on 01446 704841 or e-mail JDRogers@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
25/7/11
Green cones are appearing outside schools across the Vale of Glamorgan in a bid to make roads near schools safer for pupils.Indiscriminate and dangerous parking near schools can put the lives of children at risk.
The ‘Green Cone’ scheme involves cones being placed along the roads outside schools to reinforce existing markings, such as yellow lines and zig zags, to help make crossing the roads safer.
Cllr Jeffrey James, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation, said: "We introduced the green cone scheme in the Vale because of growing concerns for the safety of school pupils crossing congested roads to get to and from their school gates.
"Many schools across Wales and the rest of the UK use the green cones and the scheme has helped reduce the amount of traffic directly outside schools as car drivers find safe, alternative spaces to park away from the school gates."
Cogan, Sully, Ysgol Sant Curig and Victoria primary schools and Stanwell Comprehensive School have joined the scheme, introduced by a partnership of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, the Welsh Assembly Government, school staff and South Wales Police.
Several other Vale schools are also considering introducing the scheme as news of its success spreads.
Inspector Chris Owen, of South Wales Police, said: "This scheme has been proven to help provide children with a safer route to school and we are pleased that local schools have been able to implement it.
"We fully support this scheme and my officers will enforce it by issuing Fixed Penalty Notices whenever necessary."
24/6/11
The annual Illustrated Poem Competition, jointly organised by the Road Safety Team of Capita
Symonds and Heddlu Gwent Police on behalf of the Gwent Road Safety Forum, has been a resounding success this year, with 679 entries received.
Pupils in schools across Gwent were asked to write and illustrate a poem outlining the importance and correct use of seatbelts. The entries showed that they had thoroughly researched the subject before commencing work. Guests at the event commented that some of the themes investigated were very poignant, and that the poems showed great maturity and empathy.
The winning entries were awarded cash prizes by Chief Superintendent Paul Symes at a special ceremony at Newport Civic Centre during Child Safety Week. Other VIP guests were Cllr Mrs Margaret Cornelius, Mayor of Newport with her Consort, The Chairman of Monmouthshire, Cllr Brian Hood with his Lady, Mrs Jeanette Hood, and the Deputy Mayor of Torfaen, Cllr Wayne Tomlinson.
Thanking the young people for taking part and also their teachers for encouragement, Chief Superintendent Symes said, “The Police and our partner agencies believe that taking part in competitions like this fosters a better understanding and recognition of the importance of wearing a seatbelt. My colleagues and I know from experience that many lives have been saved and injury severity reduced by the use of a seatbelt. I hope the young people here will pass on this message to their friends and families.”
Penny Thorpe, Principal Road Safety Officer with Capita Symonds said, “There were even more poems submitted for the competition this year than for last year’s bumper entry. Yet again the standard is very high with the young people coming up with original ideas to promote the use of seatbelts”.
JUNIOR |
| |
NAME |
Prize |
SCHOOL |
AUTHORITY |
Winner |
Aimee Hill |
£100 |
Llanyrafon Primary |
Torfaen |
Runners Up 1 |
Harry Morgan |
£50 |
Rhiw-syr-Dafydd |
Caerphilly |
Runners Up 2 |
Emily-Mae Herring |
£50 |
Georgetown |
Blaenau Gwent |
BEST SCHOOL |
Raglan Primary, Monmouthshire - £50 |
SENIOR |
|
NAME |
Prize |
SCHOOL |
AUTHORITY |
Winner |
Caitlin Harris |
£100 |
Glyncoed Comprehensive |
Blaenau Gwent |
Runners Up 1 |
Katelun Phillips |
£50 |
Glyncoed Comprehensive |
Blaenau Gwent |
Runners Up 2 |
Eloise Bond |
£50 |
Caldicot |
Monmouthshire |
BEST SCHOOL |
Hartridge High School, Newport - £50 |
30/6/11
Annual deaths on Great Britain’s roads have fallen below 2,000 for the first time since records began, proving the value and effectiveness of having a strong road safety strategy, says the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.
Provisional figures published by the Department for Transport today reveal that 1,857 people were killed in reported road accidents during 2010, a reduction of 365 (16 per cent) on the previous year’s figure. A total of 22,660 people were seriously injured in reported road accidents (a reduction of eight per cent) and 184,138 people were slightly injured (a reduction of six per cent).
Despite the overall reduction in casualties, there was a very disappointing rise in the number of cyclists killed - to 111, an increase of seven (seven per cent) on 2009. The number of cyclists seriously injured also increased, by two per cent to 2,660. There was also a disappointing 24 per cent increase in goods vehicle occupants killed - up from 50 to 62.
The number of children who were killed fell by a third (from 81 to 55). There were also reductions in the number of children who were injured.
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA’s head of road safety, said: “That road accident deaths have fallen below 2,000 for the first time since records began in the 1920s is a significant achievement, and particularly considering that much of the reduction has happened in very recent history - in the mid-1980s, for example, road deaths stood at around 5,500 a year.
“This achievement proves the value and effectiveness of a comprehensive road safety strategy which has strong government leadership and involves the joint working of the road safety community. We obviously need to understand fully the reasons for the significant reduction in deaths from 2009 to 2010; it might be that the economic downturn has had a part to play, through a reduction in traffic and lower speeds. But there is no doubt that Britain’s world-leading strategic approach to road safety has provided the context for continuous casualty reduction for several decades.
“Of course, the figures also highlight the need to continue this good work over the next 10 years in order to avoid the danger that the downwards trend is reversed. Maintaining and improving on this success over coming years, with less money and fewer staff for road safety, plus increasing traffic as the economy improves, will be the challenge.
“The rise in cyclist casualties is clearly disappointing. As the number of people cycling increases, we must find ways to make the roads safer for them, through a combination of road designs that make cycling safer and better education and training for both motorists and cyclists.”
The 2010 figures confirm that casualty reduction targets set in 2000 have been surpassed.
Last month, RoSPA welcomed the Government’s publication of the Strategic Framework for Road Safety. The framework forecasts that road deaths will fall to between 1,530 and 1,770 by 2020. Kevin Clinton said: “We are not far off achieving the upper end of this forecast already, but this does not mean we should relax on road safety. Instead, it shows that we can and should be much more ambitious in our efforts.”
The provisional road casualty figures for 2010 are available on the Department for Transport’s website.
23/6/11
Ysgol y Graig Primary School, winners of the annual Merthyr Tydfil Primary Road Safety Quiz have successfully represented Merthyr in the South Wales Police Road Safety Quiz held at Bridgend Police Head Quarters. Competing against neighbouring authorities in a nail biting finale including two tie break questions the team members, Shaun Chambers, Alex Powell, Georgia Griffiths, Wendy Wong and Holli Jehu battled through to take the title making them the first Merthyr team to win this competition.
Jill Harper, Road Safety Officer for Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council who runs the inter authority competition said “I am so pleased for the team and their school. Many schools took part in the local competition and I think this win will give great encouragement to children entering next year. The Road Safety Quiz has always been an ideal way to get primary age children to think about Road Safety not only for the participants but also the schools they represent”.
Wayne Tucker South Wales Police Road Safety Manager and Quiz Master for the event said “it is important that children realise from a young age that road safety is vital when using roads, whether for walking, cycling or when in a car”.
Our thanks go to Tony and Helen Webb of A1 Tachograph Services Ltd, Merthyr residents themselves, for their kind sponsorship of this years prizes.
23/6/11
It was another successful year for the Bridgend Road safety quiz, with many talented youngsters competing for the chance to get to the finals. A new location this year, saw the quiz held at the Porthcawl Grand pavilion, allowing those lucky few to take advantage of the location and enjoy an ice cream after the stress of the quiz.
The event ran smoothly due to the hard work of Simon Ladbroke and Gail Calford of BCBC road safety, Gemma Matthews and John Hughes who acted as quiz master.
15 schools were chosen to go through to the finals on the 16th of June to compete to be named the winners.
Those schools in the finals were:
| Pencoed Primary |
Garth Primary |
| Brackla Primary |
Caerau Primary |
| Pen-Y-Bont Primary |
Trelales Primary |
| Mae– Y-Haul Primary |
Mynydd Cynffig Junior |
| Oldcastle Primary |
Nottage Primary |
| Llangewydd Junior |
Newton Primary |
| Brynmenyn Primary |
Ysgol Y Ferch O`r Sger Primary |
| Cwmfelin Primary |
|
The day of the finals saw many excited students, and even more excited supporters descend on a gloriously sunny Porthcawl., all eager to win the quiz title. In attendance was the deputy mayor Councillor Marlene Thomas, who was ready to be impressed by the students road safety knowledge.
After a close competition, the winners were announced.
3rd Maes yr Haul Primary.
2nd Oldcastle Primary.
1st place was awarded to Trelales primary! Congratulations to the pupils of class 5.
The poster competition run by BCBC was won by the talented children of Oldcastle Primary! So congratulations to them.
27/5/11
Shoppers and visitors in Caernarfon joined police for a ‘mocktail’ today ahead of the all Wales Summer Anti Drink and Drug Driving Campaign which is being launched next week. The educational day, which was hosted by North Wales Police today was held as part of week-long activities that have been hosted on the Maes in Caernarfon by the Gwynedd Road Safety Partnership.
Police staff helped to serve samples of free non-alcoholic cocktails or mocktails to visitors from a special ‘bar’ on the Maes in the town. People were also given the opportunity to take home mocktail recipe leaflets promoting responsible drinking when driving.
Gareth Jones, Road Safety Manager for North Wales Police said: “Today has been a successful day whereby we’ve engaged with the public – young and old, to educate them about the consequences of drink and drug driving.
“This week was all about education – it is up to us all to send the message that drink and drug driving is socially unacceptable. By taking part in a week-long education activity with our partners, we hope that we can discourage people from taking the risk.”
Police officers from the Force’s Roads Policing Unit were also on-hand to speak to people regarding the dangers and consequences of driving whilst under the influence of drink and drugs and members of the public were given the opportunity to try out vision impairment goggles or ‘beer goggles’ as they are better known to demonstrate what it felt like and how dangerous it is to be drunk.
The North Wales Fire and Rescue Service Information Bus has also been parked on the Maes all week with representatives from the Welsh Ambulance Service and Gwynedd Council.
Gareth Jones added: “It is vitally important that we get the message across that driving under the influence of drink and drugs will not be tolerated on the roads of north Wales.
“We want people to have a memorable summer for all the right reasons.”
The All Wales Summer Anti Drink and Drug Driving Campaign is being launched at 11am on Wednesday, 1st June on the Maes in Caernarfon.
Gowerton Pupils Crowned Swansea Road Safety Champions
27/5/11
Pupils in Gowerton Primary School have been crowned Swansea's junior road safety champions after winning the annual road safety quiz.
The five-strong team of children beat off stiff competition from teams at Hendrefoilan Primary, Clwyd Primary, Pontarddulais Primary and Oystermouth Primary School. The teams were quizzed on a variety of road safety themed questions and Kevin Johns took on the role of quiz master for the evening.
Swansea Council organises the annual event to kick off the year and test the road safety knowledge of pupils in schools across the city. John Hague, Cabinet Member for the Environment in Swansea Council, said: "All the teams really enjoyed the event and helped make it a fun and interesting quiz. Even though only one team could win, all the schools showed they have a good understanding of road safety issues. We have just announced our plans in relation to road safety education in Swansea. It's vital that we continue to receive funding from the Welsh Assembly so we can carry on with the excellent work our Road Safety Team is doing."
26/5/11 
Transport Minister Carl Sargeant has welcomed latest figures published today that show Welsh roads are at their safest since records began 43 years ago. The figures – ‘Roads Casualties in Wales, 2010’ - show that the number of road accidents, injuries and deaths in Wales continue to fall when compared to previous years with the number of people either killed or injured at their lowest since 1968.
Police Recorded Road Casualties, 2010
Police Reported Road Traffic Fatalities, 2010
•95 people were killed on Welsh roads in 2010, 30 (24 per cent) fewer than in 2009.
•998 people were seriously injured in 2010, 98 (9 per cent) fewer than in 2009.
•During 2010 there were 6,856 road accidents involving personal injury recorded by the police in Wales, 270 (4 per cent) fewer than in 2009.
•These accidents resulted in 9,961 casualties, 393 (4 per cent) fewer than in 2009.
•8,868 people were slightly injured, a decrease of 265 (3 per cent) compared with the previous year
The Minister said;
"It is a tragedy that people still lose their lives on the road network.
"However, this Government is fully committed to making Wales' roads safer and these figures demonstrate that our promotion of safe driving through effective education, safety improvements on our roads and tougher enforcement is having a positive impact.
"The Welsh Government has allocated over £30million since 2007 to enable local authorities to implement a wide range of road safety projects that has contributed to this downward trend of road casualties.
"By working in partnership with the police, road safety experts and local authorities we need to continue to promote road safety messages - particularly among young drivers - and remind all road users of their responsibilities to themselves and others.
"Despite meeting and exceeding our very challenging casualty reduction targets there is still more that can be done in order to ensure that Wales continues to be one of the safest countries in the world in which to travel."
19/5/11
A new video, ‘Blue Light Aware’ has been launched by the GEM Motoring Assist Road Safety Charity. The five-minute video seeks to offer advice to members of the public on how best to help an emergency service driver on a ‘blue light’ run.
The video can be viewed at www.bluelightaware.org.uk. It is based on the advice available in the Highway Code and addresses specific situations identified as causing confusion for motorists.
The video production follows a three-month consultation period in which emergency service representatives and road safety professionals were invited to provide their expert comment on how each situation should be illustrated and explained. The finished video now has the support of the Association of Chief Police Officers, the Chief Fire Officers Association, the Driving Standards Agency, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, RoadSafe, the Motor Schools Association and the Institute of Advanced Motorists.
David Williams, Chief Executive of GEM Motoring Assist, who spearheaded the project, commented: “Our research showed that the vast majority of road users want to help an emergency service driver. The difficulties come because it is not always clear what they are expected to do in order to provide the best help. As a result, too many members of the public are putting themselves in danger, breaking the law or risking damage to their cars while trying to assist an emergency vehicle on a blue light run.
“The need for a new information video has been raised frequently in recent years. The Blue Light Aware resource, with the video at its core, has been developed to reduce confusion and doubt for motorists. We are pleased to be providing this information that we believe will act as a bridge of understanding between emergency service drivers and other motorists.
“Emergency service drivers make ‘blue light’ journeys because someone needs their urgent help. We in turn can help them by giving them the room they need. In so doing, we may well be helping to save a life.”
Funding for the project has been provided by GEM’s Road Safety Charity, Volvo and Drive Smarter.
To view the video, go to www.bluelightaware.org.uk
11/5/11
Meryl James, Road Safety Manager at the Welsh Assembly Government has been awarded an MBE by the Queen in recognition of her work helping to reduce road casualties in Wales.
Meryl who has been in the Assembly’s Road Safety Department for over ten years, received the honour in recognition of her dedicated ongoing commitment to road safety and the promotion of sustainable modes of transport through the Safe Routes in Communities Scheme.
Steve Baker, Head of RoSPA Wales, said, “Meryl’s vision and commitment to casualty reduction has been pivotal in creating a new road safety culture in Wales over the past 10 years. Her energy, leadership and support, particularly towards local authorities, has been crucial in driving forward projects, campaigns and good road safety practices and her recognition is well merited. On behalf of all her colleagues in Wales and beyond, I most heartily congratulate her on a very well deserved accolade.”
On her experience at Windsor Castle, Meryl said ”I had a wonderful time. It was a real honour and I felt very special for the day. Now even the Queen knows about safe routes in Wales! I greatly appreciate all the support and well wishes I have received from my road safety colleagues.”
5/5/11
Swansea Council's Highways Service is hoping to save £100k a year by reusing old road surface materials. The Council and its partners in the Swansea Highway Partnership have invested in a special asphalt-busting machine which will recycle chunks of road and produce top quality asphalt which will be used in future highway resurfacing.
A purpose built recycling plant is in the process of being developed at Ferryboat Close and will house the specialist machine which has been shipped down from Leicester.
Carl Humphrey, Head of Streetscene in Swansea Council, said: "The creation of this new recycling facility will mean we can utilise material we have taken from the highway and re-use it in our highway maintenance work. Usually we would need to buy in these materials to repair or resurface roads but having this machinery means we can produce our own without the need to purchase extra materials.
Hopefully this will provide us with a cost saving of at least £100,000 a year."
The Council has recently produced its Highway Asset Management Programme which plans how and when roads in Swansea are improved during the next few years.
Mr Humphrey said: "The new recycling plant will help us deliver our longer-term highway improvement plans as well as providing us with a source of material for repairing potholes and other road defects."
Roads across the country have suffered during the cold snap. Swansea Council has confirmed that, since the cold weather, over 1,500 potholes have been repaired.
11/4/11
Pupils from Llansannor Church in Wales Primary School have taken the title of Vale of Glamorgan Road Safety Quiz Winners 2011 for a record-breaking fourth time.
The team followed up successes in 1999, 2008 and 2009 with a convincing win over Llanfair Primary School in the keenly-contested annual competition.
Hosted by the Vale Council’s road safety team, the event aims to make pupils more safety-conscious and aware of their responsibilities as pedestrians, cyclists and vehicle passengers, in an attempt to reduce child casualties. Watched over by fellow pupils, supporters and teachers, it was a case of fastest fingers first as each team faced ten rounds of individual, team and ‘fingers on buzzers’ questions – all based on their knowledge of the Young Person’s Highway Code.
An esteemed panel of judges, including the Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation Cllr Jeff James, Head of Planning and Transportation Rob Thomas and Principal Transport and Road Safety Officer Clare Cameron, presided over the event.
There was tension in the air as the team of four Year 6 pupils from Llanfair raced into an early lead, hoping to wipe out the memories of their narrow defeat in 2009, but they were soon caught up and overtaken by the combined knowledge of Llansannor’s finest – set on reaching the record-breaking number of wins. John Rogers, road safety officer and quizmaster for the day, said: “A big thank you must go to all the schools who took part in this worthwhile exercise. Win or lose, we hope that all the children enjoyed the experience and managed to take away valuable knowledge about road safety that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.”
Qualifying rounds for this ever-popular annual schools’ event were undertaken in a record-breaking 41 Vale primary schools this year, with high standards achieved by all. Both finalist teams received gift vouchers plus a commemorative plaque each. The winners, Llansannor, also received £200 for their school and a magnificent glass trophy. Runners-up Llanfair received £100.
For more information on road safety in the Vale of Glamorgan contact the road safety team by calling 01446 700111 or visit the road safety pages.
25/3/11
With the UK set to put its clocks forward this weekend, RoSPA is urging people to back its daylight saving campaign online - so that evenings stay lighter for longer all year round.
For decades, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has been at the forefront of a crusade to give the UK an extra hour of evening daylight - citing research that shows brighter nights would save 80 lives and prevent more than 200 serious injuries on our roads each year
.In addition to the avoidance of grief and suffering, another positive consequence of fewer road accidents would be an annual saving to taxpayers of about £138million.
The initiative has generated powerful momentum in recent months, winning the backing of tens of thousands of people and organisations through 10:10’s Lighter Later coalition - of which RoSPA is a member.
The campaign is closer to succeeding now than at any time since 1970, thanks to Rebecca Harris MP’s Private Members’ Bill - which passed its second reading in Parliament in December with a huge majority.
To help the Bill clear the next hurdle - and to coincide with the start of British Summer Time on Sunday - RoSPA is calling on the public to help convince Westminster of its popularity.
They can do this by clicking the “Support Our Campaign” button at www.rospa.com/about/currentcampaigns/lighter-evenings/. Visitors to the webpage are also encouraged to lend their support to the Lighter Later movement by clicking on the logo that’s prominently displayed near the top.
If successful, the Bill will lead to the Government carrying out a cross-departmental analysis of the benefits of Single/Double Summer Time (GMT+1 in winter / GMT+2 in summer) - which in turn could trigger a three-year trial.
Tom Mullarkey, RoSPA’s chief executive, said: “It’s time for those who’ve seen the light to stand up and be counted for this life-saving proposal.
“All Rebecca Harris’s Bill is calling for is a review of the evidence - so people can see for themselves how positive an impact such a small adjustment will have on their lives.
“It is a change that will benefit all of the UK - but especially Scotland. If the evidence proves to be as irresistible as it is irrefutable, why should we continue to allow scores of people to die and scores more to be seriously hurt on our roads each year? We estimate that about 5,000 deaths and 30,000 serious injuries have been caused needlessly in the UK since the experiment was concluded in 1971.”
Some of the other benefits of SDST include a cut in annual CO2 emissions by nearly 500,000 tonnes, and a boost to the UK tourism industry of up to £3.5billion per year.
Tom Mullarkey added: “Now that the Government has decided not to reduce the drink/drive limit at this time, this campaign stands to save more lives than any other single road safety measure. The Department for Transport estimated in 2009 that it would only cost £5million to implement Single/Double Summer Time and would save more than £40million every year thereafter.
“We believe Rebecca Harris’s Bill will show the true value of making this change not just to the DfT but to all Government departments.”
15/3/11
With the appointment of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in Cardiff and the changes to the Traffic Warden Service, the very successful award winning Junior Traffic Warden Scheme, which was introduced in 2001, has been rebranded as the Junior Police Community Support Officer Scheme.
The scheme, which is a partnership between the Road Safety Team and South Wales Police, is a unique initiative, and aims to deter motorists parking illegally or in a dangerous manner near to schools. This is one of a number of measures used to combat this problem.The Junior PCSO scheme was first introduced at Coryton Primary School in 2008 and is currently operating at twelve primary schools in Cardiff. A number of children from each participating school act and dress as Junior PCSOs and patrol the roads in close proximity to the school in the company of a PC or PCSO.
For further information, please contact Maurice Lawrence, Safer Routes to School Officer. Tel: 2078 8524.
17/2/11
The number of deaths on roads in Wales is the lowest since records began 42 years ago, according to latest figures. Fatalities fell by 29% last year, below three figures for the first time, with 89 deaths.
Transport minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said it showed the safe driving message and tougher enforcement was "paying off".
Steve Baker, head of accident prevention charity RoSPA in Wales, said Wales was one of the safest countries in the world in which to travel.
The Police Reported Road Traffic Fatalities, 2010 report, published on Thursday by the Welsh Assembly Government, shows that traffic fatalities in Wales peaked in 1973 with a total of 424 people killed.
It had declined to 161 by 2007 and fell steadily after that to its current level in 2010.
The figures released are preliminary with the final numbers to be provided in June.
Mr Jones said the figures were encouraging but said more could be done.
"This government is committed to making Wales' roads safer for all who use them and these figures make very welcome reading.
"This is the lowest figure that has ever been recorded in Wales and demonstrates that the promotion of safe driving through effective education, safety improvements on our roads and tougher enforcement is paying off.
"Whilst today's release is very encouraging, we cannot and will not be complacent. As the police, A&E staff, road safety experts and the families of those who have tragically died in road collisions will tell you, we all need to do more, the minister said.
"Road safety messages, particularly among young drivers, still need to be heard."
Steve Baker, Head of RoSPA in Wales said: "The fact that road fatalities in Wales have decreased so significantly over recent years is a testament to the many focussed road safety interventions that have been implemented."
He said the Welsh Assembly Government has been particularly proactive and supportive to local councils in helping to build a strong road safety culture.
"Recent statistics suggest that Wales is on course to further improve its position as one of the safest countries in the world in which to travel."
7/2/11
An additional £7million to help local authorities to repair potholes was announced by the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economy and Transport Ieuan Wyn Jones today. A total of £7.085 million has been allocated specifically to support councils, who are under pressure following a second winter of widespread snow. This money has been found from careful and prudent management of in-year resources.
Deputy First Minister and Economy and Transport Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said:
“This additional investment will further improve the safety and condition of our roads and demonstrates our commitment to helping local authorities repair potholes that have developed following another winter of heavy snowfall.
“While the responsibility for maintaining local roads rests with Local Authorities, this Assembly Government has again shown that it is keen to work with them as much as possible when we are hit with unexpected bad weather as happened over the Christmas period. This funding will enable councils to fund further repair works and improve our roads network.”
The allocations will provide £7.085million from the Economy and and Transport Department to support pressures on Local Authorities’ roads maintenance budgets.
12/1/11
Carmarthenshire school crossing lady Miriam Jones has been voted as Welsh Lollipop Person of the Year.
Pupils at Ysgol Penboyr Primary School in Llandysul nominated Mrs Jones, a caretaker, who turned to helping children across the road 10 years ago when her predecessor retired.
She talked to Aled Scourfield, along with pupils and the head teacher. View the interview here
11/1/11
Volunteers, road safety officers and lollipop men and women were thanked for their hard work recently at Caerphilly County Borough’s annual School Crossing Patrol and Road Safety Seminar.
The event brought together more than 110 dedicated Kerbcraft volunteers, road safety officers and school crossing patrol officers from across the county borough.
Cllr Rob Gough, cabinet member for public protection, engineering and transport said: “Our road safety team, together with a network of volunteers and school crossing patrol officers work tirelessly to help ensure our local youngsters know all about the importance of road safety.
“We have a wide variety of initiatives, such as the Kerbcraft scheme and Walking Buses, which really help to educate our children about keeping safe when out and about, and I am delighted that those who work so hard to ensure these vital schemes come to fruition have been thanked at our annual road safety seminar.”
The group were also joined by pupils from Blackwood Comprehensive School, who recently were the deserving winners of a national multimedia competition. Their film about the dangers associated with drink driving beat entrants from across Wales to scoop the regional and All Wales prize.
Deputy Mayor, Cllr Vera Jenkins also offered her personal thanks to the Kerbcraft volunteers, for their commitment in bringing the subject of road safety and the roadside to Year Two pupils across Caerphilly County Borough.
7/1/11
A man described as ‘never losing his patience or smile’ has been named as the winner of the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s School Crossing Patrol of the Year - making him the first man to win the award in three years. Stephen William Crabb, who patrols Barry’s High Street and Sant Baruc schools, was presented with his award at the annual ceremony, which recognises the hard work and dedication of school crossing patrols in the Vale.
He was presented with his award by Rob Thomas, the council’s head of planning and transportation, who highlighted how Stephen had endured countless distractions over the past year due to the demolition and rebuilding of a nearby church hall, all the while continuing his duty in an exemplary matter.
On picking up the award, Stephen said: "It’s nice to have recognition for our work. We work outside in all weather conditions and we greatly appreciate it when drivers are polite and patient."
Area winners were as follows:
Barry East (covering Cadoxton, Holton, Palmerston, Colcot and Jenner areas) - Jean Hatter. Jean has spent a great deal of time over the past year covering Court Road and Holton Road amongst others and always makes a great impression wherever she’s asked to go.
Barry West (covering Romilly, Gladstone, High Street, Trinity Street, Buttrills and Tynewydd areas) - Joy Strangward. Joy was given the award for working at one of the busiest crossings in the Vale, and serving Romilly Primary School for nearly nine years.
Eastern Vale (Sully, Dinas Powys and Penarth area) - Jane Haines. Jane is pro-active both inside and outside Fairfield Primary and has been at her post on Wordsworth Avenue, Penarth, for seven and a half years.
Western Vale (Rhoose, St Athan, Llantwit Major and Cowbridge areas) - Alex Daw. Alex is a previous award-winner and a lady who works tirelessly both inside and outside Llanilltud Fawr Primary School.
Guests were invited to view Barry Comprehensive pupil Ellis Watts’ winning entry for the South Wales area annual Drink-Drive Multimedia Competition, followed by a chance to battle for victory in an interactive road safety quiz.
John Rogers, road safety officer, said: "Well done and thank you to all our winners, and to all the school crossing patrols throughout the Vale. It’s great to see so many people coming together and all working hard in promoting road safety throughout the Vale."
For more information on School Crossing Patrols please call the road safety team on 01446 700111 or visit the council’s website.
Photo caption:
Stephen William Crabb, who was named the Vale of Glamorgan Council's School Crossing Patrol of the Year for 2010, with Rob Thomas, head of planning and transportation.
15/12/10
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 third 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. Five Highly Commended awards were also made at the All Wales Anti Drink Drive Launch at the Parc Y Scarlets on Thursday 2 December.
| Endaf Roberts, Joe Beardwood and Sam Humphreys - Filth Machine and Seratone |
| Ellis Watts, Barry Comprehensive School |
| Amman Valley School, Carmarthenshire |
| Blackwood Comprehensive School, Caerphilly |
| Yale College, Wrexham |
| Bridgend College |
| Llanederyn High, Cardiff |
| Pentrehafod Comprehensive School, Swansea |
| Carwyn Winter, Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llyn Y Forwyn |
Video clips will be uploaded to this site in due course.
24/11/10
This winter, RoSPA’s head office is relocating to central Birmingham. As of December 6, RoSPA’s new address will be RoSPA House, 28 Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 1RP.
The move is significant for everyone involved with RoSPA, and it is hoped that the recently-refurbished, centrally-located building will provide a highly accessible, modern and spacious working environment.
Until the middle of March 2011, training will continue to take place at RoSPA’s current head office in Edgbaston Park. After this date, all Birmingham-based training will be held at suitable premises near the new headquarters.
Full contact details for the new premises are below. All correspondence should be sent to the address below after December 4.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents
RoSPA House
28 Calthorpe Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 1RP
Call: 0121 248 2000
Fax: 0121 248 2001
Email: help@rospa.com
24/11/10
An innovative website has been launched at Ysgol Gynradd Llanrug to raise awareness and give information about road safety in Gwynedd.
The aim of the Regulatory Department of Gwynedd Council is to ensure road safety for all road users and where possible to improve it.
The website www.dyffgwynedd.net is for all road users in the county with special sections for children and adults as well as games, competitions and educational activities.
There’s easy access on the website to various information regarding road safety and Carys Ofalus (Careful Carys), Gwynedd Council’s road safety character and her new friends – Y Criw Craff – will be sure to draw the youngsters to the website.
19/10/10
The Deputy First Minister will today join the Minister for Environment and friends from charity Sustrans in celebrating our Safe Routes to Schools scheme’s 10th anniversary at the Senedd.
Launched in 1999, our Safe Routes to Schools initiative became an instant success in tackling congestion caused by the school run, and taught children from a young age that walking and cycling could be attractive and fun, and encouraged them to take regular exercise and develop healthy travel habits for the future.
Ieuan Wyn Jones, who is the Minister for Economy and Transport said,
“I am very proud to be here today and equally proud that the Welsh Assembly Government has helped develop so many innovative cycling and walking projects all over Wales. These projects of course could not have been delivered without the close cooperation and support of Sustrans and our partners in local authorities across Wales, and for that I thank you all.”
The Environment Minister, Jane Davidson said,
“I am delighted that Wales now has a ten year history of teaching pupils that cycling or walking to school can be a fun, healthy and often surprisingly quick alternative to travelling by car or bus. It is also an option that it is much kinder to our environment.
"Our Climate Change Strategy, which I launched earlier this month, sets out how Wales will achieve its ambition of 3% year on year reduction in green house gas emissions. Rethinking how we travel is key to this, and I hope that those school children who have benefited from Safe Routes to Schools will continue travel sustainably throughout their lives."
Our Safe Routes to School initiative was launched in 1999 and over £27m has been provided for schemes in Wales.
A new Safe Routes in Communities Programme replaced the Safe Routes to School initiative in 2008-09 and to date over £26million has been allocated for schemes across Wales. While the main emphasis remains on schools, we are also seeking to encourage walking and cycling more generally within communities.
2010 also marks the 15th anniversary of the National Cycle Network led by Sustrans, who joined in the celebrations in Cardiff Bay.
The National Cycle Network is made up of 12,600 miles of walking and cycling routes across the UK. This includes a mixture of quiet lanes, on-road routes and traffic-free paths that are often a great way to get to work, school, the shops or just for exercise and fun. The Network is available to everyone and passes within a mile of 57% of the population.
With the clocks due to go back an hour at the end of the month, the Deputy First Minister chose this moment to remind all road users of the need to be safe and seen on our roads this winter.
He said,
“As the nights draw in and the clocks go back, we all need to make the extra effort to be seen while walking or cycling, particularly in areas without street lights.
“Each year the number of deaths and injuries on our roads increases sharply as we put the clocks back at the end of summer and the evenings become darker earlier. So please remember to wear reflective items and please give the road your full attention.”
15/10/10
Ziggy is the new mascot for Pembrokeshire Road Safety. He was unveiled last Friday on the back of a Pembrokeshire County Council school transport bus. Ziggy was designed by nine-year-old Megan Wigmore from Narberth as part of a road safety competition.
Megan's winning design was chosen by junior road safety officers at Narberth Primary School and then chosen as the overall County winner by Pembrokeshire County Council's Road Safety Unit.
Councillor Jamie Adams, Cabinet Member for Highways and Planning, said Ziggy would be used to educate and promote road safety to youngsters within the County.
"We take road safety very seriously," he said.
"It's vital that our young people learn to be road safety aware, wherever they are, and these safety skills are taken with them through life."
15/10/10
One thousand five hundred Pembrokeshire children are being given safety advice at this year's Crucial Crew. The pupils are taking part in the annual event, at the Withybush Showground in Haverfordwest.
Co-ordinated by Pembrokeshire County Council's Road Safety Unit, Crucial Crew teaches Year 6 pupils from across the County how to deal with various potential dangers and hazards.
Throughout the two-week event professionals from several different agencies will give youngsters advice on how to stay safe on the road, on the beach, on farms and at home.
Now in its 17th year, the event, which is sponsored by Chevron and PowerSafe, has hosted well over 20,000 children in Pembrokeshire over the years.
Councillor Jamie Adams, Cabinet Member for Highways and Planning, who visited the event last week, thanked all who took part for their commitment and regard for the safety of children in the County.
"The feedback we have is that the children enjoy it and learn valuable lessons," he said.
"Crucial Crew gives them the opportunity to practice safety skills in an exciting, stimulating and safe environment."
Organisations taking part in this year's event are: Dyfed Powys Police; Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service; Welsh Ambulance Service; Maritime and Coastguard Agency; Pembrokeshire County Council's Road Safety Unit, Food Safety and School Transport teams; Western Power; Red Cross; Pembrokeshire Domestic Abuse Forum and the National Farmers Union.
Organisers would like to thank sponsors Chevron and PowerSafe for their financial support and also the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society for providing the event building.
16/9/10
The Road Safety Department at Bridgend County Borough Council have linked with The Llangeinor Pony Club to support their on-going training of Riding and Road Safety for each of its one hundred members.
Bridgend County Borough Councils Road Safety Department agreed to supply Llangeinor Pony Club free of charge with copies of specific equine related road safety books, copies of the Highway Code and High Visibility tabards for each of the members who successfully completed and passed their formal road safety training and examination test.
After seeing exactly how the Road Safety training was going to be delivered, Bridgend Council's Traffic Management and Road Safety Team Leader Trevor Taylor and Road Safety Officer Gail Calford agreed that they would be happy to support The Llangeinor Pony Club. Said BCBC’s Gail Calford, “ This was a new challenge for us, as Road Safety Officers, we are always keen to support innovative road safety programmes, but this was the first time we had been asked to assist with horses …… and on such a large scale.
At the Pony Club Annual Summer 2010 Camp held at Ewenny, BCBC’s Gail Calford and Sarah Ness were there to present the members of Llangeinor Pony Club who had successfully completed the first part of their training programme with their road safety books and high visibility tabards. Mrs Marion Elliott Pony Club District Commissioner stated “We are very, very grateful to the Road Safety Team. Trevor Taylor, Gail Calford and Sarah Ness have been of tremendous assistance to us and we are very grateful for all of their help. We were delighted that Gail and Sarah spent a day with us on our Summer Camp talking with the young people themselves about the training they have received and the benefits of it.
I have been very impressed with the way our young riders have applied themselves to the seriousness of their Road Safety Training; they have been a credit to themselves and a credit to our club. The partnership between The Llangeinor Pony Club and Bridgend County Borough Council had been a most beneficial and successful one.”
12/8/10
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| Jon Davies Scarlet’s centre, 9 year old Cara Edwards competition Winner, Tracey Lewis Road Safety Special Events Co-ordinator, 11 year old Kai Silverthorne competition Winner and Tavis Knoyle scarlet’s Scrum Half. Picture Jeff Connell |
Make sure you are seen - wear luminous green, and, protect your head - improve your street cred…
These are among the poetic lines delivered by hundreds of primary school children across the county who entered a Carmarthenshire Council road safety poetry competition.
English poem winner nine-year-old Cara Edwards is a pupil at Llanegennech Junior School and the Welsh winner is Kai Silverstone, of Ysgol Ponthenri.
They received their prizes at Parc-y-Scarlets after delivering their poetic works based on varied aspects of road safety as walking, cycling seat belt and helmet wearing.
As well as having their poems professionally illustrated the winners also were awarded a signed Scarlets jersey.
Carmarthenshire Council chief executive Mark James said: “Our transport teams do tremendous work getting safety messages across to youngsters at an early age.
“This was a innovative idea get impressionable children from seven to 11-year-olds involved in thinking about road safety in a colourful, memorable and inventive way.”
12/8/10
Lollipop men and women from schools across Rhondda Cynon Taf were given the latest training and advice to help them combat the risks of the road. The awareness-raising event was organised by RCT Council’s Road Safety Unit to benefit school crossing patrol staff.
They attended the Mayor’s Chamber in the Municipal Buildings, Pontypridd, for presentations on training, occupational health, risk assessments and the latest update in their field of work.
Mayor Councillor Simon Lloyd was guest of honour and spoke at the event, as well as Councillor Andrew Morgan, Cabinet Member for Transport, Customer Care and Emergency Planning.
The school crossing patrol staff were then given the opportunity to ask questions and also air their views on the service.
Coun Morgan said: “Events such as these happen because they are very important.
“We invited all school crossing patrol staff to the Municipal Buildings so they could find out the latest information and ensure we heard their views on the service.
“I am so pleased so many were able to attend and find out more, we consider them to be very valuable members of staff who work in the community on behalf of young people come rain or shine.”
Pedestrian and Motorist Advice given on the day included:
Stop means stop – motorists must stop when signalled to do so by a school crossing patrol and it is an offence under the Road Traffic Act not to obey the STOP sign.
Patrols are trained never to hold up traffic for longer than is absolutely necessary, but motorists must be patient with them, as they will always wait until the last pedestrian has reached the opposite pavement before they leave their position.
Remember the Patrol needs time to get back safely to their side of the road as well, so please don’t pull away too quickly.
The School Crossing Patrol, when on duty, is there for everyone, young or old, that might wish to cross the road at the patrol point.
30/7/10
Pictured are students from the Lluest Equine Centre, University Aberystwyth who have recently taken their British Horse Society Riding and Road Safety Test.
The students were trained by Ceredigion Road Safety Officer Terry Jones who is a qualified Riding and Road Safety Trainer and examiner.
The Riding and Road Safety test certificate is a pre-requisite for the B.H.S stage 2 examination. Riders must show knowledge of road craft, both theoretically and practically, compiled with road awareness and horse control and must also be able to demonstrate knowledge of the Highway Code and Riding and Roadcraft Manual.
The test is recognised by the Qualifications Curriculum Authority as part of the National Qualifications Framework and Equestrian Qualifications and Learning.
28/6/10
Road Safety Wales, the partnership of all key road safety personnel across Wales has announced the appointment of Susan Storch as its new Chairperson and Sarah Morris as Vice Chair.
Susan Storch, civilian Road Safety Officer for Dyfed Powys Police, succeeds Joy Smith, Road Safety Manager for Neath Port Talbot, who expanded the role of Chairperson during her four year tenure.
Susan has previously worked as an Approved Driving Instructor and a Road Safety Officer with Carmarthenshire County Council.
She welcomed her appointment saying, “I am delighted to accept the role and very much look forward to continuing to develop and stimulate national road safety initiatives which will keep Wales on track as one of the safest countries in the world in which to travel. Together with Vice Chair, Sarah Morris, Principal Road Safety Officer for Powys, I hope to consolidate the good work in road casualty reduction carried out throughout Wales. Making our roads safer is a challenge for all of us and the Road Safety Wales partnership will ensure that future road safety education, training and publicity schemes undertaken in Wales are as relevant as possible.”
24/6/10
The Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones today welcomed new statistics that show the number of people either killed or injured on Welsh roads is the lowest since records began in 1968. The figures - ‘Road Casualties in Wales, 2009’ – show the number of road accidents, injuries and deaths have all seen falls compared to the previous year.
Key figures include:
- During 2009 there were 7,126 road accidents involving personal injury recorded by the police in Wales, 658 (8 per cent) fewer than in 2008.
- These accidents resulted in 10,354 casualties, 832 (7 per cent) fewer than in 2008.
- 125 people were killed on Welsh roads, 17 (12 per cent) fewer than in 2008.
- 1,096 people were seriously injured in 2009, 158 (13 per cent) fewer than in 2008.
- 9,133 people were slightly injured, a decrease of 657 (7 per cent) compared with the previous year.
The Minister said:
“These figures show that casualties on our roads are now the lowest since records began. In every category, from deaths to the number of accidents, we have seen falls and this must be welcomed.
“I believe it is only right to pay tribute to all the organisations involved in road safety who have contributed to this success. The Welsh Assembly Government will continue to work in partnership with local authorities, the police, the Fire and Rescue Service and road safety organisations to highlight the importance of road safety and to remind all road users of their responsibilities to themselves and others.
“The allocation of over £30 million since 2007 has enabled local authorities to implement a range of road safety projects that have contributed to this downward trend of casualties that we see today.”
Document Download
Road Casualties, 2009
14/4/10
The Travel Code was introduced in January 2010 to help improve the safety of children and young people as they travel between home and school or college. Poor behaviour has contributed to some tragic consequences in the past and the Travel Code aims to tackle this.
All children and young people between the ages of 5-19 are covered by the Travel Code, whether they walk, take the bus or train, bike or even travel by car.
It's a parent or guardian's responsibility to ensure their child (or children) abide by the Travel Code. There are implications if a child doesn't follow the Travel Code, such as a Local Authority may withdraw access to free transport.
Ensuring every child understands and sticks to the Travel Code will not only help to save lives, but will make the pavements, buses and streets happier places to be for everyone.
The Travel Code has been launched with a fantastic competition to win a trip and tickets to see Wales play international rugby at the Millennium Stadium in November 2010.
You can download the Travel Code here and visit the website at www.travelcode.org
Make every journey a good one. Stick to the Travel Code.
8/4/10
Conwy and Denbighshire Councils’ Highways & Infrastructure Services are asking farmers and those in the agricultural industry to help them keep rural roads safer for everyone.
The Authorities have published a guide to Farming and Public Roads, which explains the role of the Highways Authorities and the responsibilities for anyone working on public roads, whether cutting hedges, using agricultural vehicles or moving animals.
Stuart Davies, Joint Head of Highways and Infrastructure for Conwy and Denbighshire Councils explained, "The booklet brings together useful information and advice for anyone running a rural business that has an impact on public roads".
He added, "In the spirit of partnership, both the National Farmers' Union and the Farmers' Union of Wales have agreed to distribute this leaflet amongst their members."
Copies of the Farming and Public Roads leaflet are available from Council offices and libraries or click on the link below.
Keeping Our Rural Roads Safe
PDF File 1.26Mb
30/3/10
The Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones, has launched the final version of the National Transport Plan which sets out how he will deliver the One Wales vision of a modern and sustainable transport system for Wales. Delivering the first ever National Transport Plan, the Minister for Economy and Transport explained how the Welsh Assembly Government will deliver the Wales Transport Strategy over the next five years.
The aim of the plan is to ensure a system of transport fit for the 21st century based on three key principles:
• to meet the demand for enhanced mobility which will enable economic growth and improve the quality of life we seek for the people of Wales
• to put transport onto a more sustainable and less carbon-intensive path
• to use transport funding more effectively in light of increased pressures on public finances
Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said,
“I am committed to developing a decarbonised transport system, where people are able to choose healthier and more sustainable modes of travel. I am therefore extremely pleased to be publishing our National Transport Plan today.
We are working to improve bus and rail services. We are also aiming to increase the number of people walking or cycling, and through our programme of Sustainable Travel Centres we will invest in new, and link existing, walking and cycling routes. Across the wider network we have plans to increase the provision of bicycle facilities on trains, at stations and in towns and cities.”
The Deputy First Minister also said that in developing the transport system the Welsh Assembly Government will continue to support economic prosperity, especially when faced with the global challenges of an economic downturn.
“This means a transport system that allows people to access services and removes barriers for people seeking jobs, particularly in less prosperous areas”, said Mr Jones. “We must ensure that our poorer communities, including those hit hardest by recent economic downturn, can benefit from a resurgent nation.”
The National Transport Plan, which was announced by the Deputy First Minister in July last year, is set out in a way that reflects the four main movement corridors in Wales – east-west in the north, mid and south, and north-south. As well as proposals that are relevant across all of Wales.
The proposals for the main corridors share two aims - to improve the reliability, quality and speed of rail and to improve journey times and safety on the main trunk roads.
View the plan here
29/3/10
Môn a Menai has been selected to become a sustainable travel area, with free cycle hire, improved public transport and new walking and cycling routes. It will receive up to £8 million of funding from the Welsh Assembly Government over the next three years to help transform and change the way people travel in the area.
The scheme will include:
- New public transport infrastructure projects in Bangor and the Menai area.
- Improvements to bus services.
- New walking and cycling schemes, including completion of the Lôn Adda multi-user path.
- Smarter travel projects that will include travel plans for the major employers in the area.
- It will also include looking at the feasibility of reopening the former rail line between Llangefni and Bangor
The Deputy First Minister said:
“I am delighted to announce Môn a Menai is to become a sustainable travel area and the next stage in our vision to develop a truly sustainable transport system for Wales. We will aim to deliver this scheme in two stages – first, infrastructure improvements will be made to allow people to move efficiently and effectively. Then there will be moves to help make travel more joined up and green. This will include developing travel plans for the main employers in the area, more support for bus services and a vigorous promotion of cycling and walking.
“For this to be a success we will need everyone working closely together. This latest announcement fits into the work of the National Transport Plan which I have also published today, which sets out my five year plan to develop a modern, integrated transport system that supports renewal of our economy, creates a more inclusive society and helps us tackle climate change.”
Gwynedd Council’s Senior Environment Portfolio Leader, Councillor Gareth Roberts said:
“This is a substantial investment in the area which will help to deliver an effective, efficient and sustainable transport system which best meets the needs of all those who live, work and visit the Môn a Menai Area.
“Gwynedd Council welcomes this announcement, and we look forward to working in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government and the Isle of Anglesey County Council to deliver Wales’s first Sustainable Travel Area Project.”
25/3/10
The chief executive of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is calling for all those who support the charity’s long-running lighter evenings campaign to register their backing online.
Tom Mullarkey says it is time for the campaign to step up a gear and is urging people to visit the safety charity’s new website where they can demonstrate their support for a move to Single Double Summer Time (SDST). See www.rospa.com/About/CurrentCampaigns/lighter-evenings/ for campaign information.
RoSPA has been campaigning for around 60 years for a change to how the UK uses its daylight hours, which would save lives and reduce injuries on the road. The environmental and economic benefits of an extra hour of evening daylight have also been stated clearly.
SDST would put the clocks one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in winter and two hours ahead of GMT in summer. The most recent research has found that a move to SDST could reduce road deaths by around 80 per year and serious injuries by around 212 per year.
Tom Mullarkey, RoSPA chief executive, said: “As we look ahead to the clocks going forward this Sunday, I urge all those who support our call for lighter evenings all year round to join the campaign.
“The road safety arguments have already been accepted at a national level. The environmental benefits – carbon emissions cut by 450,000 tonnes each year – and business benefits – 60-80,000 new jobs and a £2-3bn injection suggested for the tourist industry alone – are now coming to the fore.
“RoSPA’s archives prove that this is a subject which has, over the years, gained the support of a diverse range of organisations. It’s now time to regain the momentum and press forward so our generation will be the one to achieve this life saving change. Remember, this is the only thing that will make you healthier, safer, greener and wealthier at no cost every day for the rest of your life.”
RoSPA’s archives are full of information spanning the duration of the campaign, including journal articles from the late 1960s, when a trial put the UK on British Standard Time for three years. There are also hundreds of supportive letters from local authorities, MPs, charities and organisations which were sent to RoSPA in response to a campaign call in 1988 (far more letters were received in support of a change than against).
Complementing RoSPA’s campaign, a move to lighter evenings has been the subject of a number of bills laid before Parliament.
24/3/10
Pendoylan Church in Wales Primary School are the winners of the 2010 Vale of Glamorgan Council Road Safety Quiz for the second time in 4 years. They followed up their success in 2007 with a convincing win over 2000 Champions Romilly Primary School in this year’s keenly-contested Final held at The YMCA Hub in Barry.
Hosted by the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Road Safety Team, the team of 4 x Year 6 pupils from Pendoylan held off a concerted effort from Romilly’s finest in a keenly fought, nerve-wracking and very competitive final anxiously and excitedly watched by fellow pupils, parents, teachers (and Road Safety Officers!) alike.
Qualifying rounds were undertaken in each participating school using the latest electronic technology of ‘Qwizdom’, in which pupils had four rounds of multiple-choice questions to answer on their remote control keypads, all recorded by computer, followed by a written question decider. Romilly actually achieved the highest score of 49 marks out of a possible 50 in the earlier rounds while Pendoylan’s title-winning team scored 48 points, but the latter’s experience of being in 3 out of the past 4 Finals finally told in the end. Other notable scores were recorded by Llansannor (2008/9 Champions) and St Athan Primary School both with a superb 47 followed by Barry Island and Llanfair (2009 Runners-Up) with 46 and Murch Juniors and Eagleswell Primary both earning 44 points.
Well done to these teams, and indeed to all the schools who participated in the Quiz, regardless of their scores. A special mention must also go to Oakfield Primary School in Barry for their fantastic group work in answering the questions and for sheer team effort alone deserve much credit for their performance.
The Final itself, was played in true ‘Top of the Form’ style - complete with buzzers for each team member. Individual, team & ‘fingers on buzzers’ questions made up the 10 rounds that each team faced – all based on their knowledge of the Young Person’s Highway Code.
This ever-popular annual schools’ event for 10 and 11 year olds attracted entries from 37 Vale of Glamorgan Primary Schools this year. Both finalist teams received gift vouchers plus a commemorative plaque each. The winners, Pendoylan, also received £200 for their school and a magnificent glass trophy, with £100 going to the runners-up Romilly.
John Rogers, Vale of Glamorgan Council Road Safety Officer, said ‘A big thank you must go to all the schools who took part in this worthwhile exercise. Win or lose, we hope that all the children enjoyed the experience and managed to take away at least a little more knowledge about Road Safety, which will hopefully stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives’
This annual event is organised by the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Road Safety Team and aims to make pupils more safety conscious and aware of their responsibilities as pedestrians, cyclists and vehicle passengers in an effort to reduce overall child casualties both in the area and in Wales in general.
16/3/10
The Isle of Anglesey County Council has secured important funding for projects which will promote road and pedestrian safety. New grant funding, totaling more than £352,000, has been awarded by the Welsh Assembly Government.
It will ensure that the County Council can implement Safer Routes in Communities projects in Llangefni(Corn Hir area), Dwyran, Newborough, and Llangristiolus.
The schemes will deliver improvements to cycling and walking facilities within the four areas, together with road safety improvements which will benefit the local schools and general community. The work will begin later this year.
Work will involve:
• Llangefni (Corn Hir area) - new sections of footway and associated improvements; Puffin crossing on B5109; new shared use paths from Plas Arthur Leisure Centre to residential area and traffic calming humps.
• Dwyran - new footway on road linking A4080 with centre of village; improved street lighting and traffic calming humps.
• Newborough - re-kerb and surface footways in centre of village; traffic calming humps; new footway on Church Street and island crossing point near school entrance.
• Llangristiolus - new footway on B4422; new bus shelter; traffic calming humps and various footway improvements.
Highways and Transportation portfolio holder, Councillor Eurfryn Davies, said, "We are grateful to the Assembly for this vital funding. The fact that Anglesey has been awarded the total amount of funding applied for reflects the quality of our initial bid and the hard work put in by the staff who prepared it."
He added, "The work will begin later in the year and will provide extra safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists in all four communities."
15/3/10
Ever wondered where you can find the answer to such questions as “should I have a trampoline at home” or “how can I carry my pet safely in my car”? Well wonder no more, because RoSPA’s mission to save lives and reduce injuries has been brought bang up to date with the unveiling of a new interactive website that includes a huge frequently asked questions database.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents’ main site - www.rospa.com - has been totally refashioned to help fulfill the charity’s aim of leading the way on accident prevention in the 21st century.
About two years in the making, the new site went live when Lord Jordan of Bournville, RoSPA’s president, pressed an online launch button at the society’s Birmingham headquarters on Friday.
Easier to use, the site, which was designed and built by RoSPA’s in-house web team, looks brighter and sharper than its predecessor. However it still provides plenty of life-saving information about preventing accidents at home, on the road, at work and at leisure. There are also sections dedicated to child safety and safety and risk education.
Among other things, visitors can now view a series of videos and use an interactive heritage timeline which charts many of RoSPA’s campaigns and successes during its 93-year history, as well as check up-to-the-minute news about all of RoSPA’s campaigns, products, services and training.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to customise their homepage and to set up RSS feeds.
In addition, the website provides links to hundreds of other sources of safety information including the ever-popular Home and Leisure Accident Surveillance System, which has a new online home – www.hassandlass.org.uk This website gives access to a wealth of accident statistics including how many people are hurt by a range of everyday objects from air beds to zips.
Tom Mullarkey, RoSPA chief executive, said: “This is a very exciting development that shows we’re still at the cutting edge of saving lives and reducing injuries.
“It’s vital that in the age of information technology we have a big, interactive presence on the web. Our previous website received 2.92million visits in the last year and we look forward to many more visitors in the future.
“Our aim has always been to advise and educate as many people as possible about the risks they face in everyday life. This website should help carry our messages into the homes and workplaces of millions of people who we hope will use it time and again as a valuable resource.
“Our small and dedicated team have not only built this themselves but they have maintained and developed our 18 satellite sites too – an extraordinary achievement for an in-house team. I am very proud that people with such skill and dedication work for RoSPA.”
A dedicated web zone for RoSPA members, which holds exclusive content including access to the Infocentre catalogue (which stores details of more than 28,500 documents), has also been integrated into the site.
Because RoSPA is a charity, the new website has also made making donations easier to enable people to join RoSPA in its mission.
9/3/10
These Road Shows intended to get Monmouthshire Mums off to a Flying Start, and Flying Start was indeed one of the many organisations on hand to chat and provide advice and support.
Midwives were also a very welcome partner, bearing mind some of the babies were days away from making a debut appearance.
It certainly wasn’t an occasion to employ any shock tactics about Road Safety but there was plenty of information and personal advice given about safety in the car for parents to be and new babies.
8/3/10
Budding young road safety experts are taking part in this year’s exciting Rhondda Cynon Taf council challenge! Schoolchildren throughout the county borough have signed up to the exciting annual event that will test their knowledge on how to avoid potential dangers on the road.
Winners of the 2009 competition visited the Rhondda Cynon Taf Mayor’s Chambers in Pontypridd recently to receive their prizes along with the winner of the recent Christmas Card Competition.
Together the children from Darren Park Primary, Penrhiwceiber Primary, Ysgol Gynradd Pont Sion Norton, Porth Junior, Ffynnon Taf Primary and Blaengwawr Primary schools were welcomed by Mayor Cllr Robert Smith.
And it was decided that this year’s special competition would be held in the impressive surroundings of the Victorian council chamber!
Cllr Smith explained, “It was delightful to meet the winners of the 2009 competition and to welcome them to the Chambers in Pontypridd which certainly impressed them greatly.
“Therefore we felt it was proper to arrange for the Grand Finals of this year’s competition to take place in the Chamber itself. Once again we look forward with great anticipation to the excellent competitive skills of our children when it comes to their expert knowledge of road safety.”
The Council’s Road Safety Team have invited all schools in the county borough to participate in the 2010 competition with a deadline for entries on April 21st.
Children from Year 5 or 6 will be taking part and each participating school has been supplied with a pack which contains a Highway Code for Young Road Users and test papers with 28 standard questions for the pupils to complete.
Teachers then send the results to the Road Safety Unit and the six schools with the highest percentages are entered into the Grand Final at the Municipal Buildings in Pontypridd on Wednesday May 12th 2010. The winning team will represent the county borough in the South Wales Police Final at Bridgend in June.
8/3/10
A creative stance has been taken to solve anti social behaviour and bullying problems on secondary school buses in North Wales. Denbighshire County Council, which is leading on the Zoom project on behalf of North Wales local authorities, has installed four entertainment systems equipped with age appropriate DVD’s and music, to keep the students engaged and sat in their seats.
Selected bus routes in Denbighshire, Flintshire, Anglesey and Gwynedd are entertaining students on their way home as an experiment to see if positive early intervention can reduce bullying and driver distraction; with promising results so far.
In Denbighshire, Zoom has teamed up with Ysgol Dinas Bran, Llangollen and GHA buses, and has equipped the school run with music concerts, block busters movies and nature documentaries. The objective is to make the trip a pleasant experience and lessen bullying which can lead to school truancy.
Berwyn Davies, GHA Coaches Operations Manager, said: “It works!, A driver turns his back on 70 kids and drives. If we can keep them occupied and entertained on the trip home they are more likely to be well behaved and less likely to cause vandalism or distract the driver”.
The number of reported anti social behaviour incidents have increased over the last few years. The trial is a radical approach to reducing driver distraction, bullying, and antisocial behaviour on the home run. The Zoom project, supported by the Welsh Assembly Government, is underway in all six North Wales counties.
Stuart Davies, Joint Head of Highways & Infrastructure for Conwy and Denbighshire said: ‘At the end of each school day students board the bus for home animated and energetic, and noise levels can be quite distracting for bus drivers. This may seem a radical approach to school transport but if it reduces poorer behaviour and stops bullying it is well worth it. In the USA, entertainment systems are already used to reduce antisocial behaviour, they also report positive results.’
This trial is to be monitored for one year, and assessed as to whether it is an effective form of behaviour management. The expected outcomes are a reduction in noise levels, bullying, truancy and driver distraction.
5/3/10
A Llanelli woman who failed to stop when a Lollipop Lady was helping a school pupil to cross the road has received penalties totaling £335. She was also given five penalty points on her driving licence.
Karen Williams, of Swiss Valley, Llanelli, pleaded guilty to Ammanford Magistrates on March 4th 2010 for driving without due care and attention when passing a School Crossing in Llandeilo Road, Llanybie.
The 32-year-old was travelling along the road near Llandybie CP School when she committed the offence. Lollipop Lady Nan Samsudeen had clearly displayed her stop sign and was helping pupils to cross the road. But Williams failed to acknowledge the sign and continued to drive along the road putting the Crossing Patrol Officer and children at risk.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Road Safety Team supported Dyfed Powys Police in prosecuting Williams for contravening Crossing Patrol regulations.
Magistrates fined Williams £235 with additional costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £15, also imposing five penalty points on her driving licence.
Carmarthenshire County Council executive board member for Transport and Environment Cllr Haydn Jones said: “Child safety is of paramount importance and as a county we will not tolerate motorists ignoring Crossing Patrol Officers when they are carrying out this vital role within the community.
“Failing to stop at a crossing not only endangers the patrol but puts children and other adults at risk. This case demonstrates that we will not hesitate to take action against any individual who fails to stop when a School Crossing Patrol officer asks them to do so.”
County Road Safety Manager Keith Griffiths said: “When you see a School Crossing Patrol officer step into the road ahead of you displaying the Stop sign, you must stop to allow people to cross the road (Rule 87 of the Highway Code).
The law is quite specific. It is an offence under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 if you do not stop when signaled to do so by a School Crossing officer.
If you do not stop, the possible penalties include:
• A fine of up to £1,000
• A minimum of three points on your driving licence, or even
• disqualification
Drivers should always stop a safe distance away from the Crossing Patrol.
After people have crossed the road, drivers must not move off until the Patrol Officer has returned to the pavement and signaled them to do so.
Drivers should take special care when near schools, even if there is no Crossing Patrol in operation.
Rule 184 of the Highway Code says:
“Near Schools. Drive slowly and be particularly aware of young cyclists and pedestrians. In some places, there may be a flashing amber signal below the 'School' warning sign, which tells you that there may be children crossing the road ahead.”
1/3/10
The Scarlets are giving high profile backing to help teach children in Carmarthenshire about the importance of road safety.
The rugby region has joined forces with Carmarthenshire County Council’s Road Safety Unit and its mascot Gari Gosafe to help boost awareness and educate pupils about road and car safety – including crossing roads, being seen when out and about, cycling safely, walking to school and staying safe in the car.
And the popular and colourful seven foot Gari Gosafe mascot recently meet up with his Scarlets counterpart ‘Cochyn’, some Scarlets players and their children to launch the Scarlets support initiative.
The Scarlets will be producing a range of road safety materials and education packs in association with the Council that will be distributed throughout the schools of Carmarthenshire on Scarlets visits and during the region’s packed summer touring schedule. The Scarlets will be raising road safety messages through a range of initiatives including player profile cards, wall charts, team posters, car fresheners, sticker books and stickers and signage.
Scarlets and Wales international Dafydd Jones joined up with Gari and his young children to kick start the new campaign.
Dafydd Jones said: “Becoming a Dad, you are much more aware of keeping your children safe in the car and when you’re out and about. It’s really important to keep the message out there and with Gari Gosafe, it’s a brilliant and fun way to highlight that amongst younger children.
“We’ll be doing all we can to help promote road safety in the coming months.”
Gari Gosafe is the brainchild of road safety officers at Carmarthenshire County council.
Road safety officer Keith Griffiths said: “The Gari Gosafe campaign is aimed at children who have gone to school for the first time.
“It is an exciting time in their lives but with this new freedom comes dangers like roads and traffic.
“It is vital to educate children and we are constantly looking at new ways of doing this. We are delighted that the Scarlets are being so proactive in helping us spread the message and to have high profile players backing our work is great to see!”
Julie David, Hospitality and Marketing Manager at the Scarlets said: “We will be taking out the messages about Road Safety in as many of our community sessions with school children as possible.
“We have a busy community activity programme at the Scarlets and it’s an important part of maintaining our close links with our big Scarlets family and supporters young and older. As part of our networking, we are delighted to support important initiatives when we are out and about – such as promoting road safety to children.
“Our campaign with the Council will highlight a number of key areas to prevent any accidents including keeping safe by being seen, crossing roads safely, staying alert walking out and about, cycling safely, how to stay safe in the car and walking to school.”
26/1/10
Road safety cash totalling over £50k is being ploughed into safety schemes in Swansea in a bid to improve road safety for pedestrians. Swansea Council has successfully bid for the cash as part of the overall funding made available by the Wales Road Casualty Reduction Partnership.
If approved by Swansea Council's Cabinet, the money will be used to install speed indicator display signs (SIDs) at key sites throughout the city. The SID signs will display information to oncoming motorists in a bid to educate drivers of the speed limits on routes that regularly suffer from vehicles travelling in excess of the local limit.
Permanent signs will be erected at Swansea Road in Llewitha and Gorseinon Road. These will supplement signs that have already been placed on other routes in Swansea over recent years. Additional mobile signs will also be purchased which can be utilised to support speed enforcement programmes throughout Swansea.
Some of the money has already been used to reduce the speed limit on Cwmbach Road which runs between Cockett and Waunarlwydd.
Further funds have been used to install a hi-tech digital speed camera at the junction of Sketty Lane and Mumbles Road. The camera is one of only two in Wales that can monitor motorists who jump red lights as well as monitor the speed of motorists through the junction.
John Hague, Cabinet Member for the Environment in Swansea Council, said: "The funding is vital to Swansea and will help us address some concerns that communities have with inappropriate speeds.
"I would urge all drivers to drive responsibly and stick to appropriate speed limits - especially near local schools where young children might be crossing roads."
Jim Moore, Manager of the Wales Road Casualty Reduction Partnership, said: "Our priority as a partnership is to always look to reduce casualties, to educate motorists and to influence drivers behaviour and the SIDs do just that. Feedback from motorists is positive with many commenting that they didn't actually realise they were going over the speed limit until the sign flashed. We will continue to look at and fund engineering initiatives in a bid to drive down speeds on our roads."
21/1/1
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The Government has proposed that Great Britain adopts a new long-term vision for road safety: 'Making Britain’s roads the safest in the world'. From 2010, Britain will be leaving the current road safety strategy and target period which began in 2000 and entering a new one, with fresh updated priority areas and new ambitious casualty reduction targets.
RoSPA’s Road Safety Congress in 2000 focused on the lessons the UK could learn from how other countries, and international organisations (such as the UN WHO and the EC) tackle death and injury on the road. Our Road Safety Congress 2010 will again explore what we can learn from how other countries address road safety. The programme will include examples of the following from other countries and international organisations:
- National, regional and global road safety strategies
- Case studies from individual countries of innovative road safety practice
- Examples of how some countries have made major road safety improvements in recent years at both national and local level
- Different approaches to those used in the UK
- The work and views of organisations, such as WHO, the UN etc.
18/1/10
Residents of Aberaman will have the opportunity to view exciting new road safety plans for their community. An exhibition is being held on Wednesday January 20th from 11am to 7pm at the Apostolic Church in Club Street Aberaman to inform residents of the proposed Aberaman Safe Routes in the Community project.
These works are due to be carried out during the 2010 summer period and will consist of 20 mph zones, speed humps, raised junctions and raised tables at existing pedestrian crossings. They will also include footway works in Gwawr Street and additional waiting restrictions in Club Street, Gwawr Street and at the junctions of Cardiff Road with Curre Street and Abergwawr Street.
These works are a Welsh Assembly Government initiative, organized by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, to promote a safer community and encourage the use of more sustainable modes of transport.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Cabinet Member for Transport and Customer Care, said: “The proposed works will bring important road safety improvements in this part of Aberaman and residents have the opportunity to see for themselves what is involved at the public exhibition we have arranged.”
11/1/10
A group of schoolchildren has hit the ice at Swansea's Waterfront Winterland in the name of road safety. The year one schoolchildren from Llangyfelach Primary School were the lucky winners of a road safety colouring competition organised by Swansea Council's Road Safety Team.
The competition was organised as part of the Assembly-funded Kerbcraft initiative which provides practical road safety education to children between five and seven years old.
The prize for the competition winners was VIP treatment at Rocky's Ice Rink alongside Rocky the Road Safety Rooster.
Mike Flynn, Head Teacher at Llangyfelach Primary School, said: "The children had a wonderful day and really enjoyed themselves with Rocky.
"We've had a Kerbcraft coordinator at our school for five years who has helped to pass on vital road safety messages to the children.
"It's a very valuable scheme which will help provide the children with all the skills they need to enable them to keep safe on roads."
The Council is hoping more people will volunteer their services to help deliver Kerbcraft in schools throughout Swansea.
Carys Price, Swansea Council's Child Pedestrian Training Coordinator, said: "Kerbcraft is a really important initiative and we would like to offer it to every school in the city.
"The scheme depends on the help of volunteers and, without their assistance, we would not be able to deliver Kerbcraft training to all our young children."
If you think you can help contact Carys Price or Lindsey Hill on (01792) 636142.
11/1/10
A new, hard-hitting road safety theatre production has been shown in a number of Flintshire schools.
Walking Forward Theatre Company’s play, Wasted, is aimed at Year 11 pupils and is funded through Flintshire County Council’s Road Safety Unit and the Welsh Assembly Government.
The powerful and ground breaking drama explores the issues of drug driving. It addresses some of the moral issues linked to driving under the influence of drugs.
Frankie, Jay and Andy are three friends in the prime of their youth. Clubbing, football and hanging out with the girls are just a few of their favourite hobbies, so when Frankie’s girlfriend Stacey and her best friend Lucy agree to join the boys for one of their ‘big nights out’, arrangements are made to guarantee a good night is had by all.
Everything is set for a Friday night to remember but their evening soon takes a tragic turn when Andy crashes his car. In the aftermath friendships are tested and questions asked as the group struggle to deal with the consequences of an accident that should never have happened.
Flintshire County Council’s executive member for Environment, Councillor Tony Sharps, said: “We hope that the powerful message of this play will really hit home to the young people of Flintshire.”
For further information visit www.walkingforward.co.uk
