Welcome to Road Safety Wales
3/7/09
The Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, will today mark the Welsh Assembly Government’s commitment to transport sustainability by officially opening the new £2million cycle and foot bridges linking two north Wales communities.
The Pen-y-Clip bridges, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, will provide a safe route for cyclists and pedestrians between Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan. The bridges are located immediately east and one immediately west of the Pen y Clip tunnel on the A55.
Mr Jones said:
“I’m delighted to be able to officially open these bridges today which I hope will prove to be a valuable asset to this part of north Wales
“We are committed to creating more cycle routes across all parts of Wales. These bridges will enable cyclists and pedestrians to use the Old Telford road across the headland, creating a safer and more scenic route. By replacing the existing crossing either side of the Pen-y-clip tunnel with bridges, we have created a continuous route that will better link the two communities and significantly improve this section of the national cycle network.
“As we celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the One Wales programme of Government, this investment outlines our commitment to delivering a truly sustainable transport system for Wales and provide people with alternatives to using the car. If more people walk and cycle across Wales it will help reduce their dependence on the car, and contribute to cutting CO2 emissions which are causing Climate Change.
We all need to reduce our carbon footprint, and cycling can help to make a real difference. With the cost of motoring on the rise, cycling is a cheap, healthy, and sustainable means of transport.”
The opening was also attended by the mayors of the two town councils, local councillors and cycling organisations, with members of a local cycling club testing out the cycle bridge.
30/6/09
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Opening the new cycle path are Anthea Jones Cycling Officer Powys CC, Steve Davies Chair of Tawe Ucaf Community Council, Meryl James Transport Wales WAG, Richard Davies Site Manager Nant Helen, Celtic Energy, Aneurin Davies Chair of Town Council, Krishn Pathak County Councillor |
A new £335,000 shared use path for cycling and walking has been officially opened in Ystradgynlais. The route, known locally as the Tawe Uchaf Trail, is a traffic free path for walkers, cyclists and people with disabilities.
Developed by Powys County Council, in partnership with mining company Celtic Energy, the path is just over 4km in length and stretches from Penrhos to Coelbren in town. Funding for the route has come from the Welsh Assembly Government’s Safer Routes in Communities Fund.
A long-term aspiration of the community, the route utilises a section of the disused railway line in the ownership of Celtic Energy. The route can currently be accessed from Penrhos but the future aspiration of the community is that access will be available from other parts of the town.
Cllr Gwilym Evans, Board Member for Cycling and Road Safety, said: “We’re pleased that this route has been constructed to such a high standards and local people are already out using the path on a regular basis. It is an excellent local resource to promote physical activity and regeneration.”
30/06/09
The Home Office has doubled the on-the-spot penalty for not wearing a seatbelt, in a move to prevent 'needless' deaths.
The increase, which takes the fine to £60, comes after a Department for Transport consultation earlier this year that aimed to tackle the non-wearing of seat belts along with speeding and drink-driving: together the three biggest causes of injury on British roads.
Figures published last week revealed that deaths on UK roads fell from 2,946 in 2007 to 2,538 in 2008, but the Government estimates that if everyone wore seatbelts a further 400 lives could be saved annually.
Announcing the increased penalty, which comes into effect today, Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said that the vast majority of motorists do wear seat belts, but that those who do not risked their own lives and those of others.
"By increasing the fixed penalty, we are sending a clear message to motorists that we will crack down on them if they are caught failing to take this vital safety precaution."
Road Safety Minister Paul Clark added: "Every day someone dies because they do not think they always need to use a seat belt.
"This tragic waste could be avoided if everyone took the simple step of belting up every time they got in a car."
The fixed-penalty for displaying an illegal registration plate has also been doubled.
30/6/09
Illegal and inconsiderate parking outside two Porth schools has been targeted once more in a high-profile road safety campaign organised by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
Paula Perry and Gail Sullivan from RCT Road Safety Unit visited Llwyncelyn Primary School and Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llwyncelyn with a colourful new banner warning motorists of the hazards involved by parking on zig zag lines outside schools. The exercise forms part of the ongoing work by pupils, staff and governors, supported by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Road Safety Officers and the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Illegal and inconsiderate parking outside schools is an issue faced across the county, with parents believing it is acceptable to stop on the zig zag lines for “just a minute” in order to pick up or collect “their” child.
What they do not understand is the combined impact of scores of motorists doing just that, causing congestion in the narrow roads outside schools. With cars parked illegally on the lines and badly in other parts of the street, buses and other traffic struggle to pass and, in the heart of the chaos, children try to cross the road. The schools have decided enough is enough and a plan of action has been put in place, which will eventually see the arrival of a county-wide enforcement and education scheme put in place.
The project started in October 2008 when children were photographed lying down on the zig zag lines and a road safety poster competition was completed. The winner of the competition was Ellis James of Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llwyncelyn.
Now a large banner featuring all of these images has been created and displayed on the railings outside the schools following the support of Ian Howells of Howells Newsagents in Porth who part financed the scheme with Rhondda Cynon Taf and the Welsh Assembly Government.
Recently there has been continued police presence outside both schools to record any driver found parking on the zig zags or using them as a drop-off zone.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Customer Care Cllr Andrew Morgan said: “The work at these schools is inspiring and we are committed to supporting them, via our Road Safety Unit, to ensure they can protect our children.
“This is the latest in an ongoing programme of schemes to make people aware of the dangers of illegal and inconsiderate parking outside school and I hope more motorists take this message away from them and realize the implications of their actions.”
29/6/09
A pre-driver education programme has been developed by Flintshire County Council’s Road Safety Unit to raise awareness in young people of the potential dangers of unsafe driving.
The programme is initially being offered to Year 12 secondary school pupils and will be extended to young people of driving age who attend local colleges.
The number of road collisions involving young drivers and their passengers put them amongst the most vulnerable of road users. One in three new drivers will have a collision during the first two years of driving.
The presentation will include looking at driver behaviour and attitude together with issues relating to aggressive driving and speed, wearing seat belts, overloading, drink/drug driving and mobile phone use.
A road safety education driving simulator is also available for pupils to participate in a number of interesting exercises, which involve straight line reaction tests and more difficult driving scenarios. It shows hazards in a realistic way and allows participants to practice hazard awareness and avoidance.
Councillor Tony Sharps, Flintshire County Council’s executive member for Environment, said: “This Project offers youngsters an excellent opportunity to participate in driving situations which they will come across when they are learning to drive and after they've passed their test. The Project highlights in-car safety and the consequences of road collisions as a result of carrying passengers - above all, the safety of our youngsters is of the utmost importance and this Project will go a long way to improve their road safety awareness.”
Flint High School student, Sophie Evans, 17, tries out the new Flintshire County Council driving simulator watched by fellow students Charlotte Eaton, Katy James and Kyle Smith, all aged 17.
29/6/09
A number of roads in Swansea communities will be made safer after Swansea Council's Cabinet agreed to invest thousands of pounds installing pelican crossings at key sites.
Busy roads in Gowerton, Glais and Dunvant will all get the road safety treatment following the decision to fund three crossing points using Road Safety Grant funding.The Council has received a total of £646,000 from the Assembly in the annual Road Safety Grant settlement and Cabinet has agreed on how the cash will be spent.
About £68,000 will be spent installing the pelican crossings near Dunvant Primary School, Glais Primary and Tregwyr Infants and will help increase the safety of walking routes to and from the schools.
Annual events including Crucial Crew and child car seat testing road shows will also get further funding to allow them to continue. Funding will also be used to address accident cluster sites.
John Hague, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: "This funding is crucial to enable our Road Safety Team to carry on their good work in local schools.
"I'm also really pleased that we have been able to fund some schemes that did not receive any money in the recent transport grant settlement.
"It's always difficult to get everything done that we want to do when there are limited funds. However, this latest grant settlement will give us the opportunity to create safer environments in even more communities."
29/6/09
A day of biking activities has been held at Bwlch Youth and Community Centre, Llanelli, organised by Glanymor and Tyisha Communities First.
The event, on Friday, June 19, was aimed at helping members of the community learn about bike safety and maintenance and gave a chance for them to take part in group activities.
A cycle surgery and bike maintenance workshop was run by members of the youth service; and local police officers gave general safety advice and protected bicycles with a secure marking system.
There was also information on local and county-wide cycle routes from Carmarthenshire County Council’s leisure department, as well as advice about a free cycle loan scheme run by C1st. The day finished with a group cycle ride along the Millennium Coastal Path.
Karen Gibbard, community development officer, said: “There were lots of opportunities to learn about cycle leisure activities, as well as maintenance and safety.
“It was organised as part of our efforts to bring the community together and offer a range of activities that will enrich friendships and create a sense of community well-being.”
25/6/09
The latest National Statistics on Road Casualties produced by the Welsh Assembly Government were released on 25 June 2009 according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority.
Statistics on Road Casualties include data for Wales for the period up to the end of December 2008. The latest release updates the statistics previously released on 8 July 2008.
The Release
Statistical Release 96/2009 (PDF 192kB)
The key points from the latest release are:
- During 2008 there were 7,783 road accidents involving personal injury recorded by the police in Wales, 556 (7 per cent) fewer than in 2007.
- These accidents resulted in 11,185 casualties, 1,084 (9 per cent) fewer than in 2007. Within this total:
- 142 people were killed on Welsh roads in 2008, 19 (12 per cent) fewer than in 2007.
- 1,253 people were seriously injured in 2008, 15 (1 per cent) more than in 2007.
- 9,790 people were slightly injured, a decrease of 1,080 (10 per cent) compared to the previous year.
25/6/09
The Department for Transport has published statistics on road casualties in accidents reported to the police in Great Britain in 2008, according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority
- The number of people killed in road accidents reported to the police, fell by 14 per cent from 2,946 in 2007 to 2,538 in 2008. 28,567 people were killed or seriously injured in 2008, 7 per cent fewer than in 2007. There were just under 231,000 road casualties in Great Britain in 2008, 7 per cent less than in 2007.
- The number of deaths among car users in 2008 was 1,257, 12 per cent less than in the previous year. The reported number of seriously injured fell by 7 per cent to 10,707. Total reported casualties among car users were 149,169, 8 per cent lower than 2007. Traffic estimates indicate a 1 per cent fall in car and taxi traffic over the period.
- Child casualties fell by 8 per cent. The number of children killed or seriously injured in 2008 was 2,807 (down 9 per cent on 2007). Of those, 1,784 were pedestrians, 6 per cent down on 2007. 124 children died on the roads, 2 per cent higher than in the previous year, when the lowest ever child fatality figure of 121 was recorded.
- There were 572 pedestrian deaths, 11 per cent less than in 2007. Reported killed or serious injured casualties fell by 4 per cent to 6,642. The all pedestrian casualty figure fell to 28,481 in 2008, 6 per cent lower than 2007.
- The number of pedal cyclists killed fell by 15 per cent from 136 in 2007 to 115 in 2008. The number of seriously injured rose by 1 per cent to 2,450. The total casualties among pedal cyclists rose by 1 per cent to 16,297.
- There were 493 motorcycle user fatalities in accidents reported to the police in 2008, 16 per cent lower than during 2007. The reported number of killed or seriously injured fell compared to 2007 (down 10 percent from 6,737 in 2007 to 6,048 in 2008). The all motorcycle user casualties figure for 2008 of 21,549 is 8 per cent lower than in 2007.
- There were 170,500 road accidents involving personal injury reported to the police in 2008, 6 per cent fewer than in 2007. Of these, 25,457 accidents involved death or serious injury, 6 percent fewer than in 2007 (27,036).
17/6/09
An innovative road safety initiative that aims to educate motor cyclists about the dangers on the road was officially launched in Gwynedd on the 27th of May 2009. The BikeSafe initiative which is run by the North Wales Police BikeSafe co-ordinator and supported by Gwynedd Council and other North Wales Councils, the Welsh Assembly Government, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and various motorcycle organisations, was officially launched at an event at Porthmadog Fire Station.
Gwynedd Council was supported at the launch by a variety of partner agencies, emergency services and there was an opportunity to view the Honda pan European motorcycle recently acquired by Gwynedd Council in support of the BikeSafe initiative.
As part of this work, Gwynedd Council’s Road Safety Manager Colin Jones assists the BikeSafe co-ordinator with training workshops and shares practical advice with motorcyclists who attend the workshops, and during BikeSafe initiatives held in Gwynedd.
In order to undertake this project, the Council has purchased a Honda 1300 Pan European motorcycle from North Wales Police. The motorcycle is marked with the Council and BikeSafe logo highlighting the partnership between BikeSafe and the Council.
The motorcycle is used by Colin Jones, Gwynedd Council’s Road Safety Manager in his everyday role to promote safe motorcycling and to assist with the Bikesafe workshops, including the teaching of safe riding techniques sessions along a wide range of practical sessions to improve motorcycling skills. Colin is a qualified advanced motorcycle examiner for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and also holds a class 1 Advanced motorcycling qualification attained during his period as a roads Policing Officer with North Wales Police
Councillor Gareth Roberts, senior environment portfolio leader, said “I am proud that Gwynedd Council is taking an active role in this innovative project – delivering new and practical road safety advice is vital for the safety of all road users. It is a sad and frightening fact that on average, 1 motorcyclist dies every 14 hours in the UK”
“Indeed, here in Gwynedd, there were 36 recorded motorcycle collisions in Gwynedd last year which tragically led to 2 deaths, as well as 20 serious injuries and 14 minor injuries. That is why, the Gwynedd BikeSafe project and the practical support and advice that Gwynedd Councils road safety team provides is vitally important to avoid road traffic collisions and make our roads safer for all road users”
17/6/09
Walk to School Week was very successful in Monmouthshire this year and as a thank you the Chairman, Cllr Mrs Jane Foulser, invited participating schools to a special luncheon at County Hall on Wednesday 10th June.
Fourteen pupils from six Monmouthshire primary schools attended the event in the Chairman’s Chamber which was decorated with balloons and posters for the occasion. They were delighted by a special visit from Iolo the Road Safety Zebra who helped the Chairman and her consort, Mr William Foulser, present certificates and rucksacks full of road safety goodies to the children.
Later, the pupils took part in road safety activities including using ‘beer goggles’ to negotiate tasks like putting coins into containers with varying sized holes, tackling an obstacle course of cones and filling in colouring sheets. The goggles give the wearer the view that a drunken driver would have and consequently the simple tasks became difficult. Although great fun for all concerned there was a serious message that it would be much more difficult to drive a car in these circumstances, and that’s why it is so important not to drink and drive.
The Chairperson of Monmouthshire Jane Foulser said,
“The purpose of the Safer Routes to School Initiative and events like Walk to School Week is to raise awareness and encourage more children and parents to walk to school to reduce the number of cars at our school gates, resulting in a safer environment and increase the health benefits for all”
Tom Williams from Usk Primary said,
“I have learnt never to get drunk while driving a car. It is really good to cycle and walk to school to cut down on pollution. I feel good to be here today”
Alicia Champion from Pembroke Primary said,
“I feel excited to get certificates and photos for walk to school week. Doing the games is fun and seeing everyone in their uniform looking smart is good too”
Linda Davies, head teacher of Thornwell School said,
“Walk to School Week gives us an opportunity to focus on road safety issues in school. It raises awareness to parents and the community. I think we can become too complacent on these issues. Children enjoy the event and therefore remember the important messages”
A big thank you goes to Abbie Davies, Monmouthshire’s Travel Plan Coordinator, for organizing the event and also the Capita Symonds Road Safety Team for their support.
A great day was had by all it was all about learning important messages through fun and play.
Let’s hope we will have the same success with Walk to School Week next year!
15/6/09
Over 150 vehicles were stopped, 15 people arrested and 25 vehicles seized on Thursday 11 June, 2009 as part of Operation Utah. The large-scale operation targeting travelling criminals in Gwent involved more than 150 police officers from 6 forces and the support of representatives from 7 key enforcement agencies.
Vehicles in the vicinity of the M4 motorway and using the network of roads surrounding it were scanned by special Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) units during the course of the day, which alerted officers to any crime the vehicle or its occupants were wanted for, from drug dealing to banned drivers and benefit cheats.
ANPR systems instantly check up to 3,000 vehicles an hour against various databases of intelligence. This includes information provided by police officers, Crimestoppers, the DVLA and other forces about vehicles used by disqualified drivers, people wanted on warrant and those who are suspected of committing crime.
If a suspicious vehicle is identified by ANPR, police units intercept to carry out checks on the vehicle and occupants. The expertise of the other agencies involved can then be called on.
Police officers from Gwent, South Wales, Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire, Devon and Cornwall and Wiltshire were involved, with support from the DVLA, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), VOSA (Vehicle Inspectorate), HM Revenue and Customs, Her Majesty’s Court Service, the Environment Agency and TER (The National Plant and Equipment Register).
Total arrests = 15
• 3 people arrested for disqualified driving
• 6 people arrested for non-payment of fines
• 3 people arrested for possession of drugs
• 1 person arrested for theft
• 1 person arrested for drink driving
• 1 wanted person arrested
• 25 vehicles seized under section 165 of the road traffic act for having no insurance
• 12 fixed penalty notices issued for varying offences including use of a mobile phone whilst driving, having no MOT/tax, for not wearing a seatbelt and number plate offences.
• 19 vehicle Ion Track tests completed with 7 testing positive for drugs
• 1 vehicle seized for use of red diesel and the owner issued with a £500 fine
• 8 vehicles seized by DVLA for no tax or fraudulent tax
• £3000 worth of fines warrants executed by HMCS
• 3 being investigated further for benefit fraud by DWP
• £1800 worth of fixed penalty notices issued for overloaded Light Goods Vehicles (LGV)
• £120 worth of fines issued for over hours Heavy Goods Vehicle driving offences
• £30 worth of fines issued for tacograph offences
• £150 worth of fines issued for tyre/vehicle defects
• 23 vehicles taken off the road for defects
• £200 fixed penalty notice issued for a Light Goods Vehicle found to be a tonne overweight
Sergeant Huw Jones co-ordinated the operation on behalf of Gwent Police said:
"ANPR technology means we can identify people wanted for a whole range of offences, from possession of drugs to disqualified drivers. Bringing together our neighbouring forces and the expertise of partner agencies during Operation Utah means we can deal with these at one site.
With ANPR, there is literally nowhere to hide. Many criminals rely on the use of transport networks to commit crime, by joining up with neighbouring forces and using modern technology, we aim to detect, disrupt and generally make it difficult for crime groups to operate.
This is not a one-off: ANPR is a vital tool used day-in, day-out throughout the region and, thanks to the success of this operation, it is only a matter of time until we look to repeat it.”
12/6/09
Parents should be advised to keep young children in rear facing car seats for as long as possible, state doctors in a paper published on bmj.com today.
It is common practice to switch babies to a forward facing car seat at 9kg (approx. 8 months of age), but there is mounting evidence that it is safer for young children to travel in a rear facing seat until 4 years of age, write Drs Elizabeth Watson and Michael Monteiro.
For instance, data from Sweden where rear facing up to age 4 is common practice, has shown that children who died in accidents restrained in forward facing booster seats could have potentially survived if they had been travelling in rear facing seats.
One study used the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash database to examine crashes involving 870 children between 1998 and 2003, and concluded that rear facing seats were more effective than forward facing seats in protecting children aged 0–23 months for all crash types.
Recent crash tests have also reported that rear facing seats resulted in significantly lower neck and chest injury measures compared with forward facing seats. The authors of another crash simulation study encouraged manufacturers to develop rear facing seats for children up to 4 years of age.
The authors explain that, unlike forward facing seats, rear facing car seats keep the head, neck and spine fully aligned so the crash forces are distributed over all of these body areas.
They believe part of the problem is that many parents and healthcare providers may be unaware that it is safer to leave children in rear facing seats for as long as possible, or that rear facing seats for toddlers exist.
Healthcare professionals should advise that rear facing seats are safer than forward facing seats for children under 4 years, say the authors.
They also call on manufacturers and retailers to increase the availability of rear facing seats for older children and for a change to the current weight-range labelling of European seats, which may imply that forward facing seats are as safe as rear facing seats for children over 9kg.
Steve Baker , Head of RoSPA Wales, said: “We support the call to make rearward-facing seats for older toddlers more widely available as a way of improving parental choice about the safety of their children.
“The evidence shows that it is safer for children to travel rearward-facing for as long as possible, although that does not mean forward-facing seats are ‘dangerous’.
“For parents who currently have a child in a rearward-facing 0+ car seat and are wondering what to do next, our advice is to keep them in that seat until they reach the upper end of the weight range (13kg), unless they have grown out of the seat in terms of their height (this is to do with the position of their head - check manufacturers’ guidelines). If their height means they can continue to use their current seat for longer, don’t be tempted to switch your child to forward-facing as soon as they reach the minimum weight in the weight range stated on the next seat up.
“Ideally, parents who are considering using a rearward-facing seat for older toddlers would be able to try out one of the seats in their car before buying it to ensure it fits safely and securely. This is why greater availability of rearward-facing seats in UK sales outlets is important, so parents do not order a potentially-misfitting seat over the internet before they have had a chance to seek expert guidance about fitting it in their car. Retailers also need to be appropriately trained to help parents.
“Also, there is a real need for parents to make sure that child car seats of any type are fitted correctly whenever they are taken in and out of the car. Surveys have shown that many child car seats are misfitted, meaning they won’t offer the full protection that they are able to give.”
Further child car seat information can be found at www.childcarseats.org.uk
11/6/09
Pupils across the Caerphilly county borough agreed to ditch the car and bus during Walk to School Week and opted for two legged transport instead as they took part in ‘Walk to School Week’ activities.
More than 8,000 children from 24 local schools participated in the event, which has become a popular fixture in the annual road safety calendar. Schools reported less congestion outside the school gate and the organised activities such as ‘walking buses’ were very well attended despite the wind and rain!
CCBC Cabinet member, Cllr Phil Bevan, said, “Walk to school week was once again a major success throughout the Caerphilly county borough and I would like to thank everyone involved for their efforts. These types of activities have many benefits including improving health and fitness levels amongst children as well as having a positive impact on the environment by reducing traffic congestion on the school run.”
Schools with Travel Plans were also given resources to help make the week a success such as pedometers to record how far the children walked.
Pengam Primary organised a sponsored walk with teachers, parents and children and Hendredenny Park Primary got its pupils walking everyday on the walking bus.
Two other schools that deserve a mention are Blackwood Primary with over 50 walkers on their bus and Ysgol Trelyn who managed to again have the biggest walking bus with 60 adults, children and parents.
For more information about Walk to School activities in Caerphilly please contact Susan Davies, School Travel Plan Co-ordinator on 01495 235402.
9/6/09
Gwent Police officers have breath tested over 5000 motorists in the first week of the 2009 All-Wales Summer Anti Drink/Drug Drive Campaign.
The 5410 stops which been made across Gwent in just the first 7 days of the campaign send a clear message to people living, working and visiting the area that driving after having a drink or taking drugs is an offence Gwent Police takes extremely seriously and will not tolerate.
Officers are encouraged that out of the number of motorists breathalysed only 25 were found to be over the limit - less than 0.5% of the total tested.
Chief Inspector of Roads Policing, John Pavett said;
“As a force we are determined to identify anyone willing to risk their own life and the lives of others by getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after they have had a drink or taken drugs.
Gwent Police focus on drink driving throughout the year but unfortunately at this time of year people tend to take more risks, whether it be driving the morning after a night out or after a BBQ or social gathering for example, when over a long period of time they have lost track of the amount of alcohol they have consumed.
We have tested more drivers than ever before in any given seven day period, therefore, if people do still want to risk drinking and driving they are obviously more likely to be caught and punished.
I want to again say directly to those people who continue to drink or take drugs and drive that it is just not worth it. I would also like to appeal to members of the community and ask if anyone is aware of someone who drinks or takes drugs and then drives, to please contact police as soon as possible. By making that phone call you may well be saving a life."
9/6/09
Cycle Instructors in Wales are to have the opportunity to establish a Forum that meets their needs, through a series of meetings across Wales. The first meeting will be held on 18th June in Colwyn Bay at the Interchange. Tea and coffee will be provided from 1pm with a view to starting by 1.15 pm.
Details of a South Wales meeting will be circulated shortly.
The meetings are open to anyone who is delivering or hoping to deliver National Standards Cycle Training. If you would like more information or are not able to attend this meeting but feel that you would like to contribute please contact Gwenda Owen gwenda.owen@ctc.org.uk
Direct line: 029 20750301 Mobile :07825081097 Website: ctc.org.uk/wales
8/6/09
Girls from the Third Porthcawl Trinity Brownies have gained their road safety badges with the help of Bridgend County Borough Council’s Road Safety team.
The team has been providing road safety lessons and teaching the Brownies about the Green Cross Code, how to find safe crossing places and the importance of making yourself visible when walking or riding bicycles.
To qualify for the road safety badge, the girls carried out work that included designing a cycle helmet. They learned why it is important to wear a safety helmet with help from Egg Head, a Road Safety team character which features a mini-cycle helmet.
Brown Owl Hilary Davies said: “I had noticed that children were riding their bikes and not wearing a helmet, so the demonstration highlighted in a fun way the importance of protecting your head. The Brownies really enjoyed the talk, especially when they saw that the egg was a real one and had not been hard boiled!”
Road Safety Officer Simon Ladbrooke said: “I was impressed with the Brownies’ enthusiasm. They have worked extremely hard in order to obtain their road safety badge and have learned a valuable life skill.”
1/6/09
Motorists are being warned that a drink in the sun could put them behind bars as the Government and police join forces to crack down on the menace of drink driving over the summer. A £1.5 million THINK! campaign will remind motorists of the devastating consequences of drink driving - while the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) will coordinate a nationwide police operation to catch the drivers who put lives in danger by getting behind the wheel after drinking.
Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said:
"Drink driving is not just a problem at Christmas - each summer almost 200 people don't make it home to their families because of drink driving. With warm weather and long summer evenings motorists might end up drinking when they hadn't planned to, but that doesn't mean we have to drive home. Use public transport or take a taxi - don't risk everything by getting behind the wheel.
"Be under no illusions, drink drivers are treated like any other criminal - they face giving blood and DNA samples and being locked in a police cell. They'll also get a minimum 12 months driving ban, criminal record and large fine - and risk losing their job."
All 43 police forces in England and Wales will be targeting drink drivers this summer with many using new digital breath testing equipment funded by the Department for Transport. The TV campaign, 'Moment of Doubt', which focuses on the consequences drink drivers face when they are caught, will be supported by advertising in pubs, radio and online. The campaign will also continue to be supported by partners in the pub trade and drinks industry to get the message across that drinking and driving do not mix.
View the TV advertisement here (2.60 Mb)
1/6/09
School crossing patrols in Swansea have been kitted out with new uniforms after the service received sponsorship.
Swansea Highways Partnership, which is made up of Swansea Council, Hansons Contracting and Alun Griffiths Contractors(Ltd) has purchased the specialist all weather kit.
The kind gesture will help keep Swansea's hard working team of school crossing patrols warm and dry throughout the year as they help thousands of school children safely cross roads to and from school. 95 brand new all weather coats have been purchased for the city's patrols.
Jamie Bowen, Business Improvement Manager, with Swansea Highways Partnership said, "We are delighted to be involved in helping Swansea's school crossing patrols stay safe and do their job keeping children in particular safe on our roads.
"They do a marvellous job and yet people too easily forget the importance of their role in making roads safer for people to cross.
"I am sure that their role is rewarding while at times extremely stressful, but there is no doubt it is extremely worthwhile.
"As we work to help improve highways and road safety in Swansea through our own contracts it will be nice to see the crossing patrols playing their role in a uniform designed to their own specifications and I am glad we have been able to contribute in this way."
Joanne Davies, Swansea Council's School Crossing Patrol Officer said, "I'm thrilled that the partnership has contributed to the costs of funding this valuable service.
"Our School Crossing Patrols do an excellent job, in all types of weather for the sake of the childrens safety. We really appreciate the support we have been given and are very grateful."
The Swansea Highway Partnership is a four-year partnership, worth up to £20m, will deliver greater efficiency and more effective planning of highway improvements through closer integration and team working.
29/5/09
Trials of a new, jam-busting patrol service - designed to reduce lane closure times and cut congestion on the M4 and on trunk roads throughout South Wales - were launched this week by Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones. Civilian traffic officers, paid for by the Welsh Assembly Government, will patrol the motorway in distinctively liveried vehicles with powers to stop, control and direct traffic. Their operations will mean a faster response time to traffic blocking incidents - and free police resources to concentrate on more serious matters.
While the patrol vehicles will assist in emergency situations, they will not be primary emergency response vehicles. The police will continue to attend and lead emergency situations or incidents that might involve criminal investigation.
It's estimated however that the new service- when fully operational - will cut the average call-out time to deal with routine traffic delaying incidents by half and, thereby, making a very significant impact on reducing congestion on the South Wales road network.
Announcing the new service jointly with Assistant Chief Constable of South Wales Police Colette Paul, Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said that the new arrangements will trial a model of collaborative working specifically tailored to the needs of the M4 and Trunk road network in South Wales.
Mr Jones said:
"I fully appreciate the frustrations and the economic cost caused by delays on this vital route. These new trials are just one example of the Assembly Government's determination to improve the efficiency of the M4 in future. My department is working closely with the police to improve monitoring and management - and this new service will enable both general operations and incidents to be managed more effectively."
Assistant Chief Constable Colette Paul said:
"We have been working closely with the Welsh Assembly Government over the last few months and are encouraged that significant steps have been taken on a journey that will eventually see the responsibility for the management of the M4 and its arterial routes transferred to the Welsh Assembly Government.
“This will free up police officers to focus on dealing with emergency situations, and catching criminals using the roads to keep South Wales Safe."
28/5/09
Over 170 motorcyclists have been stopped as part of Operation Darwen. The operation is being run over various weekends and targets motorcyclists at a time of year when Dyfed Powys Police sees an increase in motorcycle fatalities.
Roads in Carmarthenshire and Powys have been monitored by the roads policing units. A total of 88 offences were recorded so far including 15 offences of speeding, and 15 offences relating to condition and use of the motorbike.
Dyfed Powys Police’s road safety officer, Sue Storch, said: “We regularly carry out safety awareness campaigns amongst motorcyclists because unfortunately we do see an increase in the number of fatalities over the summer months. This campaign aims to ensure the laws of the road are enforced but also gives us another opportunity to speak to motorcyclists about their behaviour which is often of concern to other road users.”
Operation Darwen will continue throughout the summer.
28/5/09 
Youngsters in a Pembrokeshire school have been checking up on speeding drivers. Twenty four children from Class 6 at Roch Community Primary School recently carried out a speed survey on the A487 road near their school.
Using speed guns supplied by Pembrokeshire County Council's Road Safety Unit, the pupils were alarmed at the high speeds they recorded. Despite being in a 40mph speed limit, they found several cars traveling at nearly 60mph. The pupils will now use the data for a class project.
The testing followed increasing concerns about the speed of vehicles traveling through the village near Haverfordwest.
Councillor Jamie Adams, Cabinet Member for Highways and Planning , who attended the survey, said he was pleased to see the children taking part in such an important community concern.
"This particular stretch of road causes concern because there have been a number of deaths along it over the last 12 months. We cannot stress enough that drivers should heed the slogan that ‘Speed Kills' and reduce their speed," he said.
John Gobbi, County Road Safety Education Officer, said more than 60% of road accident deaths were on rural roads and speeding contributed to many of them.
27/5/09
The third Annual JRSO Get-Together for Vale of Glamorgan Primary Schools was recently held at the Memorial Hall & Theatre in Barry. Some 63 children from 12 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 30th 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 the crew from Barry Fire Station, who showed interested parties some of the equipment they used for rescuing people trapped in their vehicles after a road traffic collision, as well as an actual crashed car scenario (with dummies) hosted by South Wales Fire & Rescue personnel; and officers from the South Wales Police Road Safety Team, complete with squad car, showing some of the items they use when on duty out on the area’s roads. 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. The day finished with a special performance from the Gregory Brothers, whose popular Road Safety & Recycling Roadshow has been visiting most of the Vale Primary & Special Schools over the past few months.
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, 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 30 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 704773 or e-mail JDRogers@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
27/5/09
Supported by 
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 attached form, (accompanied by any relevant supporting material) no later than Friday 21 August 2009. The Award winners will be invited to receive their Award at the Road Safety Wales Conference dinner on Monday 28 September at the Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon. Award winners will receive £100 and a souvenir gift.
Download the Nomination Form here
Please return this form by Friday 21 August 2009 to:
Road Safety Wales, RoSPA, 2 Cwrt-y-Parc, Llanishen, Cardiff CF14 5GH
Fax: 029 2025 0601 E-mail: jbibby@rospa.com
22/5/09
Around twice as many people have applied to be lollipop men and women in Cardiff in the past two months as during the same time last year. Cardiff Council said it has had around 20 applications a month since March - bucking the recent UK trend of a lack of interest in the job.
It said it does not know the reason but speculated it could be because of current financial pressures. But it still has 30 vacancies to fill for the £6 an hour job.
Denise Cummings, who has been a lollipop lady to thousands of children for 22 years, encouraged others to join her.
"It's fantastic to see the children smile in the morning and hear what they've done in the school holidays," she said.
"When they leave primary school they come back and tell me what they are doing in secondary school, which is really very satisfying. For me, it's been incredibly rewarding to help the community I live in for so long."
Cardiff Council's road safety unit said many local authorities across the UK are struggling to fill vacancies so it is not sure why there has been a sudden jump in people applying in Cardiff.
It said it could be because of "financial pressure or a desire to do something different in a changing climate".
As well as the £6 hourly rate, crossing patrols are paid a retainer fee in school holidays. However, despite a number of vacancies being filled in the first part of the year, many pupils still remain without help to cross the road. The council is still trying to fill a number of posts in Birchgrove, Cardiff Bay, Ely, Grangetown, Lakeside, Rumney, St Melons, Thornhill and Whitchurch.
Ms Cummings, who works outside Herbert Thomson Primary in Ely, who has recently won a council award for her hard work and long service, said: "I would encourage anyone to be a school crossing patrol person.
"During my time I've seen the children I've helped grow up and start their own families, who I also help get safely to school. The job keeps me active too, which must be positive for my health and wellbeing."
Dave Evans, Cardiff Council's road safety manager, said the authority would train those interested in the job.
"Every patrol I speak to tells me about the satisfaction and fulfilment they get from helping children safely across the road," he said.
"It's not an easy job but we provide training and by law, traffic must stop when patrols request it to."
22/5/09
Users of the A55 North Wales Expressway will be the first in Wales to benefit from a dedicated traffic officer service. A trial of the new A55 Traffic Officer Service will be announced by the Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones, at the official opening of the new £2.1 million North Wales Traffic Management Centre, at the Morfa, near Conwy.
Mr Jones, who will be joined by the Chief Constable of North Wales Police, Richard Brunstrom, says that the new arrangements will radically improve how the road is policed and could eventually be rolled out across Wales’ major roads.
“I am confident the new system will help cut the time it takes to respond to incidents on this key arterial link”, said Mr Jones, who is Minister for the Economy and Transport.
“The service will help free up police officers to concentrate on core tasks that affect the safety of all road users. Together with the operations of the North Wales Traffic Management Centre, this will bring social and economic benefit to the whole of North Wales.”
Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom said:
“Today sees the launch of an exciting new development in partnership working between the Welsh Assembly Government and the Police service in Wales in how we dynamically manage the trunk road network.
“Road users will see the newly liveried traffic officer vehicles on the A55 delivering in a very conspicuous manner enhanced patrols. This will result in a fresh approach to the proactive management of congestion to reduce delay, enhance economic viability and thus improve road safety.”
Each of the yellow and black battenberg marked vehicles will be fitted with amber and red lights, and traffic officers working in the vehicles will have the powers of a police constable to stop, control and direct traffic.
However, these vehicles are not emergency response vehicles – their role is to provide reassurance and promote public safety, and the police will continue to attend and lead emergency situations or incidents that might involve criminal investigation.
“The aim is to assist and not persecute motorists travelling on the A55 Euro route to ensure the network keeps moving," said Richard Brunstrom.
The Traffic Management Centre, which has been fully functional since February 2009, provides a home for Traffic Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government’s traffic information service, which has a leading role in the monitoring and managing the trunk road network.
22/5/09
In conjunction with the National Road Safety Strategy and Gwynedd County Council, road safety partnership, North Wales Fire & Rescue Service began a series of 'biker drop in' workshops at Porthmadog Fire station this month.
The sessions are an open invite to all motorcycle enthusiasts to drop in, take on refreshments and discuss road safety skills will proficient service providers.
The events will also enable other road safety partners, in particular the Bike Safe team an opportunity to offer advice on road craft, referrals to development courses and even offer free advice on appropriate clothing and helmets.
Mike Owen, County Operations Manager for South Gwynedd said: "What we are trying to achieve in this initiative is to raise the awareness of all road users that the motorcycling community use the roads of Gwynedd and Meirionyddshire in pursuit of their pastime.
"Exploring our beautiful surroundings on their two wheels is often a misunderstood activity leading to negative perceptions of what the thrill of motorcycling is about. Whilst the motorcycling communities are encouraged to come and 'drop in' when they are out and about, general road users have a vital role to play in their safety. Over the coming months the numbers of motorcyclists will soar in South Gwynedd, with groups of riders targeting our roads as a place to visit on their ride outs.
"Unfortunately, in recent years the numbers of road traffic collisions involving motorcycles have increased and as a pro-active initiative we looking to lower those statistics.
"There seems to be an overwhelming interest by all stakeholders to engage with us on this project and I'm confident that if we carefully plan our activities we can contribute effectively to a series of road safety initiatives will hopefully reduce the amount motorcycle related incidents on our roads."
The dates for the forthcoming 'drop in's' are;
- 31st May
- 14th June
- 28th June
- 4th July
Further dates may follow.
22/5/09
Neath Port Talbot Council’s Road Safety Unit has given comprehensive schools in the area the opportunity to be part of a brand new dynamic road safety popular music production.
Working in conjunction with a Freelance Music Tutor, Geraint Brown, the Road Safety Unit have been working with selected groups of pupils from six comprehensive schools across the county borough, whereby pupils were challenged to compose lyrics based on a road safety topic and produce a final recording. On completion of the recording a CD of the schools composition was produced.
The Road Safety Unit co-ordinated a launch event in the form of a professional concert on 30th March at the Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot, where over 150 pupils that took part in the production performed their composition in front of family and friends.
The Compare for the evening was Claire Scott from The Wave/Swansea Sound radio station.
Neath Port Talbot’s Road Safety Manager, Joy Smith said, “Engaging young adolescents in this age group can be difficult and therefore it is integral that the delivery is both exciting and rewarding. This project encourages the creative use of music and advertising as a means of getting students to consider and promote awareness of road safety issues through music.”
Note - Schools taking Part in the Event include:-
• Sandfields Comprehensive
• Cymer Afan Comprehensive
• Cwrt Sart Comprehensive
• Cwmtawe Comprehensive
• Glan Afan Comprehensive
• Llangatwg Comprehensive
• Cefn Saeson Comprehensive
• Duffryn Comprehensive
21/5/09
Three hundred students attended this year’s road safety initiative aimed at reducing road traffic collisions involving young people in Pembrokeshire. The annual Top Drive event was held for the first time at Pembrokeshire College for 4 days 21- 24 April 2009.
The students were given advice on being responsible drivers and car passengers. Road safety presentations were given by Dyfed Powys Police, Mid & West Wales Fire Fire & Resue Service, Driving Standards Agency, Local Driving Academy, Ambulance Service, and Sudds. The presentations covered a wide range of information asking students to refrain from speeding, using a mobile phone whilst driving, drinking and driving, taking drugs and driving, driving when tired. They were also encouraged about the importance of wearing a seat belt and the law concerning wearing a seat belt.
Further good information was given about what to do at the scene of a road accident by our local paramedic [Ambulance Service] were there are particularly more then one casualty.
The event also included information on vehicle insurance from the officer from the local National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance office on Winch ane Haverfordwest and advice on buying a vehicle from Gareth Hughes Motors in Sardis and purchasing a motor cyclesfrom a Pembrokeshire County Council officer. The event was coordinated by Pembrokeshire County Council Road Safety Forum and Unit.
Cllr Jamie Adams expressed his wish to see a reduction in road traffic collisions on the county roads particularly involving young drivers, and believes this type of event must go a long way to meet his wishes.
College Principal Glyn Jones stated how important this Top Drive event is to the young drivers and would highly recommend it to the local schools.
For further information contact: John Gobbi, County Road Safety Education Officer john.gobbi@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
20/5/09
Motorcyclists living in Powys are being urged to have their skills assessed so that they can ride safer in the county. Powys County Council’s Road Safety Unit has developed an assessment scheme called ‘Ride On’, which gives Powys motorcyclists the opportunity to have their riding skills assessed. The scheme is the first of its kind in Wales thanks to funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.
The course, which starts later this month, consists of a 1.5 hour theory session followed by a 1.5 hour practical ride out with officers from Dyfed Powys Police.
Cllr Gwilym Evans, Board Member responsible for Road Safety, said: “Motorcyclists are the most vulnerable road users in Powys. We have the highest number of fatal collisions involving motorcyclists compared to any other counties in Wales.
“We want to promote safer riding and reduce the number of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured on Powys roads and this assessment, along with other initiatives, will help us achieve this.”
Courses are available on the following dates both in the morning and afternoon:
Saturday 23 May, Saturday 6 June, Saturday 4 and 18 July, Saturday 15 August, Saturday 26 September.
Sarah Morris, the council’s Senior Road Safety Officer, said: “We assessed over 50 riders during a pilot scheme in 2008 and the feedback we received from those who participated was extremely positive. I would encourage any motorcyclist to take advantage of this scheme, which is the first of its kind in Wales.”
If you would like further information on the scheme or book a place on the course then contact Peter Wright on 01597 826979 or email peter.wright@powys.gov.uk
19/5/09
A Welsh police force is linking up with the AA in a move aimed at tackling teenage road deaths. North Wales Police will offer "at risk" teenagers free driver safety training in the scheme run by the road organisation's charitable trust. One hundred and fifty drivers whose records are a cause for concern will be invited to take part in the training.
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Shannon said targeting training at the right people will save lives. The force said it is the UK's first to adopt the "Drive Smart" scheme which offers two-hour sessions with a driving instructor from the AA. The initiative, which is supported by transport ministers, also looks at "eco-driving" techniques to cut fuel consumption.
Young drivers with a history of collisions or offences such as driving without seatbelts, using mobile phones at the wheel and speeding will be approached for nomination for the training. Those who take part in the course will be sent a supporting workbook and will also be expected to practice between training sessions.
Mr Shannon said: "Young drivers, particularly those with a poor driving record, are at most risk of being involved in a collision in which someone will die or be seriously injured. By targeting training at the right people, we will save lives."
AA president Edmund King, the director of the charitable trust which was launched in January, said: "Driving causes more teenage deaths than stabbings or drugs, with new drivers and their passengers accounting for one in five car deaths.
"By working with police to target those who are the biggest risk we can start to tackle this carnage."
Supt Simon Shaw, Head of Roads Policing for North Wales Police, said: "Young drivers and their passengers are being injured and killed on our roads at levels that we must not accept."
He said the scheme provides an opportunity for officers "to signpost high risk young drivers into high quality driver training".
Officers will visit the homes of those nominated to discuss their driving history and to outline the benefits of the course, said Supt Shaw.
The courses are anticipated to start within the next few weeks. Officers are asking anyone who believes a young driver is at high risk of being involved in a collision to contact the roads policing unit.
19/5/09 Carmarthenshire Youth Service has been educating young people on how to stay safe on the roads. Youth workers from the Amman and Gwendraeth team have been delivering a road safety programme to year twelve secondary school pupils within the Valleys. The aim is to raise awareness amid young people on the effects of dangerous driving and to get them involved in first aid workshops and advice on how to keep their cars roadworthy.
Officers form the Police and Fire Service have also been involved in the workshops to further encourage young people to stay safe and legal on the road.
Barrie Ashton, Project Co-ordinator said:
“The workshops have gone down really well with the young people. We’ve been able to show the effects of driving whilst under the influence of drugs and alcohol and how dangerous driving can ruin people’s lives."
“With road accidents more commonplace amid young people under the age of 25, we felt the need to target young people who are learning to drive or who have recently passed their tests. By informing them from the start, we hope they will take these consequences into account and act responsibly on the roads.”
19/5/09
Cwmbrân Library is the latest port of call for anyone wanting information about Road Safety in Torfaen. A notice board with information, posters and leaflets is now on display in the Library foyer.
Road Safety is a topic which concerns everyone, from all age groups and hopefully the notice board will help to bring various issues to the attention of people as they use the library.
The current display gives general road safety information, but over the coming months the specific road safety campaigns and issues will be promoted.
Thanks to the staff at Cwmbrân Library for their help.
13/5/09
Schoolchildren throughout the county borough were tested on their road safety knowledge thanks to a Rhondda Cynon Taf-wide competition to highlight the issue amongst the younger generations.
The Rhondda Cynon Taf Road Safety Quiz Final was held at the Council’s headquarters in Clydach Vale and welcomed six school teams from Darran Park Primary, Penrhiwceiber Primary, Porth Juniors, Ffynnon Taf Primary, Blaengwawr Primary and Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pont Sion Norton.
After a heated contest, the winning team of Ffynnon Taf Primary School claimed the £100 first prize and will represent the county borough in the South Wales Road Safety Quiz Finals at Police Headquarters in Bridgend next month. The second prize of £75 was claimed by Porth Junior School.
Hosted by the Council’s Road Safety Team the competition’s quizmaster was Jim Sullivan from the Education Welfare Service and supported by the Rhondda Cynon Taf Deputy Mayor Robert Smith and his consort Margaret Smith.
Cabinet Member for Transport and Customer Care, Cllr Andrew Morgan, said: “This event is the highlight of the calendar year for the Rhondda Cynon Taf Road Safety Unit who do so much to educate residents about the hazards that can be faced by pedestrians and motorists alike.
“This particular competition, aimed at the young generations, rewards the children who have worked so hard learning all about road safety, The event also demonstrates the excellent partnership working that exists within the county borough by all agencies involved and this can only be of benefit to residents and visitors alike.”
11/5/09
New tactics are to be employed by police in a bid to assist in an operation aimed at driving down the number of motorcyclists who are killed and injured on the roads of North Wales.
Covert speed cameras and the testing of average speed enforcement devices will be introduced under Operation Focus over the next couple of weeks. These will be used alongside the tried and tested enforcement methods used by officers working on the operation.
“Law abiding responsible riders have nothing to fear from the introduction of these new tactics,” said Superintendent Simon Shaw, Head of Roads Policing for North Wales Police. “However, we are reminding the riders that persist in riding at speed that they face the very real likelihood of prosecution.
“The portable average speed enforcement devices will be deployed at various locations along the routes favoured by the motorcyclists and will be tested over distances of one, five and ten miles.
Supt Shaw added: “The good weather we have enjoyed over the last 3 weekends has seen large numbers of motorcyclists descend on North Wales to enjoy rides through the magnificent North Wales scenery. The vast majority of the motorcyclists are responsible careful riders that ride at appropriate speeds for the conditions.
“Sadly, there is a significant minority of riders that use the North Wales roads as race tracks. Their recklessness not only puts their own lives at risk but also poses a real danger to other road users.”
Each year around 10 motorcyclists are killed on the roads of North Wales. In addition to this figure, many more sustain life changing injuries. In the majority of cases the journey was purely recreational with excessive speed a contributory factor.
To minimise the risk of riders killing themselves or others North Wales Police has mounted specific operations for each of the last 3 weekends. The operations to date have involved a range of tactics including the deployment of marked and unmarked police vehicles and the force helicopter.
Typically a weekend operation will see around 400 motorcyclists stopped. In the majority of cases the only action taken by the police officer will be to offer words of advice. In around 50 cases breaches of road safety legislation are detected and enforcement action is taken.
Despite this level of policing it is evident that not all motorcyclists are heeding our warnings and high speed riding by a significant minority remains a problem.
Operation Focus will continue each weekend and on the bank holidays until October.
11/5/09
Over 100 pupils and parents from Forden walked and cycled on the new shared path on the day of its official opening.
The £190,000 path, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government’s Safer Routes in Communities Fund, was opened on 29 April. 40 children biked and another 35 were joined by parents to walk the path.
Built by Powys County Council within the highway boundary, the two kilometre path improves a section of the Offa’s Dyke National Trail.
The new path, which has been a long term aspiration of the community and was a key aspect of the Focus on Forden’s Future event that took place last year, has created better links between all parts of Forden and will enable residents, particularly children, to walk and cycle safely.
Cllr Gwilym Evans, Board Member for Cycling and Road Safety, said: “This route has been needed by the community for a long time. It’s a great facility providing local people with the opportunity to walk and cycle and stay active. Progress on cycle routes across the county is very promising with many new routes being constructed.”
Mr Simon Newson, Headteacher of Forden Church in Wales School, said: “This new path will allow children and adults to walk or cycle from one end of the village to the other safely. Not only will it allow pupils to walk to school, which will help them keep fit and active, it will also help create a greener environment around the school with less traffic.”
8/5/09
School children across the Caerphilly county borough will be able to travel to and from school in modern, safe buses thanks to new requirements put in place by the council.
A range of new measures will be introduced starting this year that will include:
- Use of single deck buses only
- Seat belts throughout
- A seat for every child
- Euro III emission standards
- A maximum vehicle age of 20 years
Longer contract durations are also being offered to local bus companies who meet these strict new requirements. The contracts will be offered for a period of five, seven or ten years based on the age of the vehicles and this will lead to savings by reducing the costs associated with annual tendering processes.
Cllr Phil Bevan, cabinet member for education, said, "Thousands of pupils are transported to schools across the county borough each day and we want to ensure that they travel in safe, modern vehicles. We also need to consider the impact this activity has on the environment so we are looking for bus operators to ensure their vehicles meet minimum emission standards too."
"The council has worked closely with local bus operators to ensure we offer our children the best possible standards of safety and efficiency and we look forward to the measures being introduced later this year," he added.
1/5/09
10:00am – 4:00pm, Thursday 21 May
Pavilion Conference Centre
Llandrindod Wells
What would be the consequences for you and your organisation if one of your staff was involved in a fatal road traffic collision whilst driving “at work”?
Do you know how many investigations might be undertaken, by whom, in what order and with what potential outcomes? How would the investigations link to each other? Who could face criminal and / or civil proceedings – the driver? The manager? The organisation? All of the above?
Do you know what protection your motor insurance policy provides (and, just as importantly, what it excludes)?
This event is aimed at anyone who manages staff who drive at work in the public sector, as well as their colleagues who manage vehicle fleets, risk, insurance, litigation, policy and strategy, human resources, etc.
As well as a varied panel of presenters, there will be a free exhibition from a number of road safety related organisations, intended to help you avoid the situation that the seminar will address – see below for details
Cost, to include all refreshments, lunch and delegate pack:
Free
£50.00
For further information and to book your place on-line, click here
09:30 Registration and exhibition
10:00 Welcome and scenario Steve Thomas Chairman, Alarm Wales
10:15 Blue light response PC Richard Jessopp, Dyfed-Powys Police Collision Investigation Unit
11:00 Coffee and exhibition
11:30 An inspector calls Mike Fahey, Principal Inspector, Health and Safety Executive
12:15 Questions / discussion
12:30 Lunch and exhibition
13:30 The Coroner’s Court Peter Bennett, Partner, Dolmans Solicitors
14:00 Criminal proceedings Bernard Thorogood, No. 5 Chambers, Birmingham
14:30 Civil claims Peter Bennett
15:00 Questions / discussion Expert panel
15:15 Summary and closing remarks Steve Thomas
15:30 Coffee and exhibition
16:00 Event closes
Please note:
Session timings may be subject to change, due to operational demands
Delegates are advised that there is limited parking at the venue. Please allow sufficient time to park elsewhere. Click here for a link to the Pavilion Centre’s website, which details alternative parking facilities.
Association of Industrial Road Safety Officers
Carmarthenshire County Council
Ceredigion County Council
Drive Smarter Ltd.
Dyfed-Powys Police
GoSafe – Wales Casualty Reduction Partnership
Institute of Advanced Motorists
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service
Powys Community Safety Partnership
Powys County Council
www.alarm-uk.org
1/5/09
The THINK! campaign has launched THINK! Education, a new programme for young people aged from three to 16 years, their teachers and parents. The new resources aim to raise awareness of road safety among young people, and reduce the number of children killed and injured on the roads.
Resources for those aged three to five years and seven to 11 years are available now, with resources for 11–16s available in autumn 2009 and for those aged five to seven years in spring 2010.
The teachers’ area contains a guide to help senior managers plan and deliver road safety education along with teachers’ notes, curriculum links and lesson ideas.
The pupils’ area includes interactive games, video clips, posters, activity sheets and sound effects.
The parents’ area contains activity ideas and information about how parents can set a good example and teach their child good road safety skills, along with ‘home-link’ sheets for parents to complete with their children, reinforcing the messages of the classroom activities.
The resources are designed to be used flexibly. Teachers can mix and match ideas to suit their class and a variety of formats and activities are provided to suit different learning styles. The interactive resources can be used on a whiteboard or suite of computers.
The style reflects the Tales of the Road advertising campaign.
All the resources are free and available online at: www.dft.gov.uk/think/education.
Click here to download a briefing note about the resources specially prepared for RSOs.
30/4/09
The National Standards Cycle Training Capacity Building Project got off to a flying start with the four Instructor Training Courses held in March and April. With over 40 participants, National Standards Cycle Training is becoming well and truly established in Wales. Thanks to Cycle Training Wales, who delivered courses in Carmarthen and Cardiff, and to Cycle Experience Wales who delivered the first course in Cardiff and one in Llandudno.
Bursaries of up to £500 are now available to cover the course costs of any suitably accredited Instructor Training Course in England or Wales.
Please apply using the Bursary application Form, and ensure that you read the appendices and criteria.
Keep up to date with developments on National Standards, Bikeability, Instructor Training and more at www.ctc.org.uk/wales
Please contact Gwenda Owen CTC’s Cycle Training Development Officer in Wales for further information. 
gwenda.owen@ctc.org.uk
07825081097
029 20750301
27/4/09
Pupils from Caersws Primary School are putting their best foot forward and starting a new 'walking bus'. From this week, local children will be walking to and from Caersws School on 'Walking Wednesdays'. Supervised by volunteer adults, the pupils will walk a designated route and pick-up other children up at 'bus stops' timetabled along the way.
The initiative has been introduced by Delma Thomas and Roy Gardner from Caersws Primary School, and Bridget Farrington, Area Road Safety Officer with Powys County Council.
"Walking Buses are an excellent way to improve road safety awareness, reduce school gate congestion and help the environment in addition to improving health and fitness," explained Bridget.
"Children who walk to school are known to concentrate better in lessons and they enjoy the social interaction of walking with their friends.
"Caersws is an ideal village to make use of a walking bus and I congratulate Miss Thomas and the staff and parent volunteers for starting this project."
ener School Buses for Caerphilly