Welcome to Road Safety Wales
4/7/08
The Annual Road Safety Illustrated Poem Competition was another resounding success for many young people from Gwent. The winners claimed their prizes at an evening event at County Hall Cwmbran on Tuesday 17th June.
A total of 527 poems were entered from junior and senior pupils across the Gwent region into this year’s Competition, which was run jointly by the Road Safety Team at Capita Symonds and Heddlu Gwent Police. The standard of entries was very high with some innovative ideas and high levels of thought, motivation and common sense.
The prizes and certificates were presented by Mike Tonge, Chief Constable of Heddlu Gwent Police, who was delighted to have his photograph taken afterwards with each of the children and their poems.
The highest number of senior entries came from Duffryn Comprehensive School, Newport and Vicky Carey, the English teacher collected their award from Mr Tonge. Vicky said:-
“We found the project to be of great interest across all the year groups that entered. The year 9 and 10 groups were very aware of the dangers and very sensible in their approach to the task. It was surprising how many features the pupils were able to recognise in relation to in car safety.”
Vicky continued, “However, many of our younger pupils did tend to focus on the main features they see on TV – driving too fast, drink driving, etc. It would be nice if there was greater awareness made of the distractions that can occur in the car – talking to the driver, asking them to look at something other than the road, music blasting, eating and drinking at the wheel, mobile phones, etc. The teachers involved in this competition often had to point out these obvious factors that impact on driving and in car safety. It is unfortunate that advertisements and publicity tend to focus on accidents and car crashes than the factors that actually cause the incidents.”
Junior
Gweniver Exton, Osbaston CIW School
Daisy Legdon, St James Primary
:Bethan Williams, St James Primary
Best School: Gilfach Fargoed Primary
Senior
Fern Price Heolddu Comprehensive
Sarah Price Monmouth Comprehensive
Jessica Broom Heolddu Comprehensive
Best School: Duffryn School
3/6/08
The annual Road Safety Quiz organised by Neath Port Talbot's Road Safety Unit with South Wales Police and hosted by the Apollo Cinema at Port Talbot was the biggest ever.
Pictured with winners Crynallt Junior School are l-r Sergeant Ioan Howell, Head of Highways Neath Port Talbot Council John Flower, Manager Apollo Cinema Tim Morgan and council officer Helen Griffiths
In its 11th year thirteen primary schools had battled through to the final stages and the event was attended by almost 50 schools from across the county borough.And after five rounds of tense questioning there were three schools just one point apart at the top of the league table.
The eventual winner was Crynallt Junior School of Cimla with 90 points and Sandfields and Cwmavon just one point behind as runners-up.
All the teams received individual plaques to commemorate their achievements whilst Crynallt Junior School had the pleasure of taking the School's winning trophy back to their school for another year. Every pupil who entered the competition received individual certificates.
The competition was split into four rounds on road safety and one on general knowledge and while the scores were being verified the pupils enjoyed popcorn and drinks and a preview of some of this years new releases.
Cabinet Board Member for Streetcare and Highway Services Councillor Arwel Woolcock said: "We are delighted by the support from our teaching staff for this important initiative.
"The enthusiasm of the children and the knowledge gained in Road Safety is an important lesson that will stay with them for life. My congratulations to Crynallt Junior School, Cwmafan Junior and Sandfields Primary School as well as all the other competitors who took part.
"The 2008 Quiz was an extremely enjoyable and beneficial event for all. I would also like to convey my thanks to the Apollo Cinema for donating the use of their cinema and South Wales Police for their continued support."
2/7/08
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| Actress Manon Ellis with the pupils of Ysgol Glan Cegin, Bangor as they learn about road safety |
Keeping to simple but important rules - that was the message recently shared with the pupils of Ysgol Glan Cegin, Bangor as they received road safety certificates as part of the Kerbcraft scheme.
As they completed part of the Kerbcraft road safety course with the support of Gwynedd Council's Road Safety Unit, Ysgol Glan Cegin pupils were paid a visit by actress Manon Ellis who plays Michelle in the popular Welsh TV show, "Rownd a Rownd".
After going out and about with the pupils, Manon Ellis presented the children with their well deserved certificates. As part of the Kerbcraft scheme, the children have gained understanding and knowledge by going out in the local area to learn how to stay safe on the side of the road, and the certificates acknowledge their hard work.
The Kerbcraft Scheme teaches children between 5 - 7 to walk along the road safely by taking them out to the side of the road and show them that making the right decisions and acting appropriately can help them keep safe. The children are taken out of the schools in groups of no more than three by specially trained volunteers.
As part of the lessons, children:
The children are helped to identify dangers and find safer places to cross.
The children are taught to use a safe strategy to cross near parked cars - if the situations are unavoidable.
Children are introduced to the problems near simple and more complicated junctions, and they are taught a strategy to look systematically to all directions.
Find out more...
2/7/08
Lives of young drivers are being put at risk by dealers selling unroadworthy, second-hand cars, Powys County Council has warned.
The council’s Trading Standards Service is highlighting work by their national colleagues involving a test purchase exercise which revealed five out of eight second-hand cars bought during a recent undercover operation were not safe to be driven.
Clive Jones, the council’s Principal Trading Standards Officer, said: “Defects found by this work were shocking – the cars were unsafe to use and had no place on a road, so no place on a trader’s forecourt.
“It’s a serious offence to sell or to offer for sale a vehicle that doesn’t comply with the laws that govern the construction and use of motor vehicles. There is no element of ‘buyer beware’ and in no circumstance is ignorance of the law an excuse.
“No matter what you pay for a vehicle, you’re entitled to expect that it is safe, roadworthy and complies with the law. Test purchasing exercises such as this one are vital to protect the consumer against buying dangerous vehicles.
“The poor condition of vehicles is a common contributory factor in road traffic accidents and this new survey shows that there are a lot of death-trap vehicles on the market. For every accident we can prevent by urging drivers to get cars checked before they buy, the better. We urge all young motorists to get a car checked by an independent engineer before buying it or insist on a full MOT before purchasing it.
“Consumers should buy from legitimate businesses that will have inspected the vehicles before putting them on sale - people should be advised that they are taking a greater risk when they buy cars from the roadside.
”The best advice we can give is always insist on a full, new MOT certificate as this gives basic safety protection and an indication of engine function. If motorists find any problems with a vehicle they have just purchased, they should contact Consumer Direct.”
Call Consumer Direct telephone 08454 04 05 06 or 08454 04 05 05 for their Welsh-speaking services or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
2/7/08
An electronic facility has been set up to petition the Prime Minister to consider a change to the current system of British Summer Time, in support of RoSPA's campaign to reduce accidents:
petitions.pm.gov.uk/betteruseofsun/.
Join us in our campaign to reduce road deaths.
2/7/08
Cyclists will be getting a helping hand to make sure their thirsts are quenched on this year's Gower Bike Ride.
Road Safety Officers from Swansea Council will be handing out 500 specially designed water bottles to the first 500 riders over the line when the event takes place this Sunday (July 6).
Hundreds of cyclists will be making their way along the 29-mile circular route around Gower with the start and finish at St Helen's Recreation Ground. The event, organised by the British Heart Foundation, also consists of a shorter 16-mile route for those feeling slightly less energetic.
Jeff Green, Swansea Council's Road Safety Officer, said, "We are always really happy to support the annual Gower Bike Ride. We aim to try and pass on tips to riders to enable them to keep safe while they cycle. Last year we wanted to get more cyclists to wear helmets.
"We are giving away water bottles this year to the first 500 who cross the finishing line. Everyone taking part should make sure they take plenty to drink."
Mali James, Event Organiser for the British Heart Foundation, said, "We are really grateful to Swansea Council and the Road Safety Team for supporting this popular event.
"The event always encourages cyclists from all around the region to take part and help raise money for the charity. This year we are delighted that local boxing hero Enzo Maccarinelli is taking part.
"If you still have not registered to take part in the bike ride you can still do so on the day of the event between 8.30am and 10am. The event has a new start time this year between 9am and 10am - so be sure to be there before 10am to join the hundereds on the course."
For more information on the Gower Bike Ride or any other events that are organised by The British Heart Foundation visit www.bhf.org.uk
1/7/08
Lansdowne Primary School, who recently became Cardiff School's Road Safety Quiz champions are now South Wales Primary School Road Safety Quiz champions.
The final was held at South Wales Police Headquarters in Bridgend on Friday 20th June and the team beat five other schools that represented local authorities across South Wales. The annual competition is co-ordinated by South Wales Police and sponsored by Lion Laboratories.
1/7/08
Swansea's favourite road safety hero is hitting the road to help spread the message of being safe on the road to thousands of children.
Rocky the Road Safety Rooster has been handed the keys to a brand new vehicle which will help give Swansea Council's Road Safety Team more opportunity to teach vital road safety lessons in local schools.
FRF Chevrolet Swansea has kindly donated a vehicle to the Council for use by the Road Safety Team.
Jeff Green, Swansea Council's Casualty Reduction Officer, said, "we are really grateful towards our own Sponsorship and Promotions Officer and FRF Chevrolet for giving the team the opportunity to spread the message of road safety far and wide."
26/6/08
The latest National Statistics on Road Casualties produced by the Welsh Assembly Government were released on 26 June 2008 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 2007. The latest release updates the statistics previously released on 28 June 2007.
Statistical Release 91/2008 PDF format 154kb
- During 2007 there were 8,340 road accidents involving personal injury recorded by the police in Wales, 361 (4 per cent) fewer than in 2006.
- These accidents resulted in 12,271 casualties, 421 (3 per cent) fewer than in 2006. Within this total:
- 162 people were killed on Welsh roads, 1 (1 per cent) fewer than in 2006;
- 1,241 people were seriously injured in 2007, 31 (3 per cent) more than in 2006;
- 10,868 people were slightly injured, a decrease of 451 (4 per cent) compared to the previous year.
26/6/08
The Department of Transport has today published National Statistics on road casualties in Great Britain in 2007, which relate to casualties in accidents reported to the police.
Key results include:
* The number of people killed in road accidents fell, by 7 per cent from 3,172 in 2006 to 2,943 in 2007.
* The number of children killed or seriously injured in 2007 was 3,090 (down 6 per cent on 2006). 121 children died on the roads, 20 per cent fewer than in 2006, this is the lowest ever recorded figure.
* There were 644 pedestrian deaths, 5 per cent less than in 2006.
* The number of pedal cyclists killed fell by 7 per cent from 146 in 2006 to 136 in 2007.
* There were 588 motorcycle user fatalities in 2007, 2 per cent lower than during 2006. The all motorcycle user casualties figure for 2007 of 23,459 is 1 per cent higher than in 2006.
In 2000, the Government announced a new road safety strategy and set new targets for reducing casualties by 2010. It wants to see:
* 40% reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured in road accidents compared with the average for 1994-98;
* 50% reduction in the number of children killed or seriously injured;
* 10% reduction in the slight casualty rate, expressed as the number of people slightly injured per 100 million vehicle kilometres.
In 2007, the number of people killed or seriously injured was 36 per cent below the 1994-98 average; the number of children killed or seriously injured was 55 per cent below the 1994-98 average; and provisional estimates show the slight casualty rate was 30 per cent below the 1994-98 average.
More key results....
Download the full report PDF format 483kb
26/6/08
AIRSO is to hold a Road Safety Conference at the Angel Hotel in Cardiff on Tuesday 1st July 2008 in association with the Welsh Assembly Government and RoSPA Wales on the subject of Managing Occupational Road Risk and the Implications of the Corporate Manslaughter Act. For more details of the conference visit the AIRSO in Wales page.
25/6/08
Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Road Safety Unit held its fourth annual Junior Road Safety Officers Conference at the Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot.
Since the Junior Road Safety Officers club started in January 2004, 46 Primary and Junior Schools have set up the scheme. The aim of the club is to highlight road safety issues around their school and local communities, through specially appointed Junior Road Safety Officers (JRSOs) who are elected to carry out the role at their school.
The Conference provided the opportunity for JRSOs to pool information and ideas, to share best practice and to further promote road safety in a fun and enjoyable way. JRSOs also displayed road safety work completed throughout the year at their school.
During the conference there were a number of interactive workshops and activities in which the JRSOs participated.
Councillor Arwyn Woolcock, Cabinet Board Member for Streetcare and highway services said: "I was delighted to see so many Junior Road Safety Officers at this conference, which provided an excellent opportunity for sharing knowledge and ideas on road safety issues.
"The Junior Road Safety Officers have worked hard throughout the year and I would like to extend my thanks to all those schools that continue to support such a worthwhile initiative."
The conference was also attended by officers from South Wales Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the authorities Survey team, adding to the experiences gained by pupils.
24/6/08
A new walking and cycle path has been opened near Newtown. The 3km route between Llanllwchaiarn and Aberbechan will provide a safe and accessible route alongside the line of the Montgomery canal.
The traffic-free path will open up opportunities for local people to travel in a more sustainable and healthy way. The new section of route is part of the National Cycle Network route 81 from Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury.
The £70,000 project has been co-ordinated by Powys County Council and funded by British Waterways, Countryside Council for Wales and the Sports Council for Wales. Assistance was also provided by Severn Trent Water and Sustrans.
Councillor Gwilym Evans, Powys County Council’s Board Member with portfolio for cycling and road safety, said: "We are delighted this route has been opened. The path is accessible to all - from cyclists and walkers to wheelchair and pushchair users - making it a valuable local asset.
"The project shows how well partnership working and funding can work to develop an excellent facility for all of the community. It is hoped the in the future it will be possible to attract funding to link up further sections of the route to expand it to Abermule."
24/6/08
Fun for All the Family!
Sunday June 29 2008
12 – 5pm
Waterton, Bridgend
South Wales Police will open its doors on Sunday 29th June, as an open invitation is extended to the public of South Wales to come and see what they do, why and how they do it – and you can even have the opportunity to have a go!
South Wales Police has taken delivery of a brand new state of the art helicopter and it will be unveiled to you – the public – for the very first time at the Open Day.
Other stalls and exhibitions include the Force museum, community safety and lots of children’s activities including archery and driving pursuit.
Road safety skills can be tested through trying the automated skid pan, and you can be put through your paces at trying the police fitness test and army assault course.
Among old favourites and returning to the event this year, are the fascinating displays by the dogs and horses, as well as demonstrations from the police cars, bikes and the police sub-aqua unit.
The Global Village will also be in full swing once again, bringing together displays, cuisine, music, dancing, arts and crafts from a variety of cultures, demonstrating the richness and cultural diversity found within the South Wales Police area.
Visitors are encouraged to speak to the officers about their roles and the ever growing part they play in keeping the communities of South Wales safer places to live, work and visit.
Each year the collection from the Force’s Open Day is used to support a charity or cause close to the heart of South Wales. This year is no exception with all the money being raised from donations and contributions going to Barnardo's Cymru.
Event co-ordinator, Chief Inspector Phil Ashby said:
“The Police Communities Open Day is a fantastic way for members of every community to informally meet their local police officers and find out a little more about the work they carry out”.
“Last year’s event was a real success, with over 6,000 Visitors enjoying the many activities on offer throughout the day.
“Entry to the site is completely free of charge, and with every penny earned during the event going towards a good cause, I would personally like to encourage everyone to come along and join in the fun”.
Find out what's on. where and when...
20/6/08
Parents and carers in the Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff are being offered a free opportunity to check their babies and toddlers are safely strapped in as part of an ongoing campaign highlighting the dangers of ill-fitting car seats.
Every year, hundreds of children are killed or seriously injured while travelling in vehicles, and the proper use of child car restraints would prevent many of these deaths and injuries. It is estimated that 70 per cent of children’s car seats are fitted incorrectly.
The campaign is backed by the trading standards and road safety teams at the Vale and Cardiff councils, and experts will be on hand at the Tesco store at Culverhouse Cross on Wednesday, 25 June, between 9.30am and 4pm to demonstrate the safest way of fitting child seats. No booking is required and parents and carers are welcome to drop in at any time.
During the campaign, parents and carers will be encouraged to ensure their children are securely belted up for every journey in a restraint suitable both for the child's size and the vehicle. They will also be warned of the dangers of second hand car seats. It is estimated that around one in 10 second hand car seats currently in use could be dangerous because they have already been involved in a collision.
Vale principal trading standards officer Simon Wilkinson said: "It's not enough just to purchase a car seat. Unless it is the correct model for your vehicle and child's build, and is fitted correctly, it will not offer the full protection that your child deserves.
"We would especially encourage parents to be to come along to the event with their cars, and seek the advice of our experts before they buy a car seat for any imminent arrivals. It only takes a few minutes and could, ultimately, save a child’s life.”
Further information on car seat safety can be found by logging onto www.childcarseats.org.uk.
19/6/08
Pembrokeshire Children’s Traffic Club has celebrated its fourth year helping children in the County to stay safe.
The anniversary was celebrated in the Nursery at Tenby Infants School. Guests to the party were delighted when the three-year-olds sang the clubs official song. The children also enjoyed party food and games.
Three and four-year-olds learn through play and fun and the Children’s Traffic Club pack is an excellent resource for all parents and guardians to use to encourage the teaching of road safety at such a vulnerable age.
Club activity books introduce friends such as Sammy Seatbelt, Larry Look and Lucy Listen.
Health Visitors from the local health trust deliver invites to the children at their 36 month check up. Membership is free as the registration fee is paid by Pembrokeshire County Council from funding given by the Welsh Assembly Government.Once parents/guardians have registered, their child will receive their first book, followed by a further five every three months after.
Said Pembrokeshire County Councillor Jamie Adams, Cabinet Member for Highways and Planning: “The Children’s Traffic Club is an effective and proven way to deliver road safety to pre-school children. However, the club has received only a 40 per cent uptake in the past year. We would like to see more parents take up the opportunity to receive this free resource for their children.”
The message is reinforced at school early years units, playgroups and nurseries through the Children’s Traffic Club Nursery Pack, where invitations can also be obtained.
* Nursery packs can be acquired free of charge to all school early years units, playgroups and nurseries by contacting County Council road safety education officer Kirstie-Anne Donoghue, Road Safety Education officer, on 01437 775434.
www.trafficclub.co.uk
19/6/08
Police in the Vale of Glamorgan are combining Operation Rock with the All Wales Police summer drink drive campaign as it targets irresponsible motorists on the county’s roads.
Operation Rock is a longstanding campaign which is intended to improve driver behaviour, and reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries on the local roads.The aim of the operation is to target those drivers who are driving inappropriately, or in a dangerous manner and provide as much education, information and ultimately enforcement as is necessary to ensure casualty reduction in the Vale of Glamorgan is kept low.
The operation this month has focussed on the main routes into Barry and on one day last week 25 Fixed Penalty Notices were issued mainly for failure to wear seatbelts and driving whilst on their mobile phone. A further 22 Fixed Penalty Notices were issued to motorists on June 17th.
Acting Sergeant Bryn Glennie, based at Barry police station, said: “Operation Rock is an opportunity to pro-actively reduce the number of road crashes within the Vale of Glamorgan and to positively influence the behavior of a large number of drivers.
'We will take every opportunity to engage with the drivers to help achieve the intentions of the operation.”
“Officers will be on the roads around the Vale of Glamorgan during the coming weeks and anyone caught without a seat belt will be given a £30 Fixed Penalty Notices but more extreme cases, such as drivers failing to strap in their children, could be summonsed to court,” said acting Sergeant Glennie.
He also warned motorists about the dangers of drinking and driving. “In the summer many people have parties and barbecues especially when the sun is shining. However, as these events may take place over a number of hours they may lose track of how much they have had to drink.
“I would remind people there is no set amount of alcohol which can be consumed before legally getting behind the wheel. People who drink and drive run the risk of killing themselves, their passengers, and other innocent road users.
“If you are stopped for any offence, and are then found to be over the limit you face being disqualified from driving and having a criminal conviction which can have a massive impact on your life.
“The best advice is simple - if you drink, don’t drive.”
19/6/08
Road Safety Officers in Swansea Council have restated their intentions to implement slower 20mph limits outside all schools in the area.
The comments come after the Assembly announced plans to launch a consultation into slowing down traffic outside schools in Wales, with emphasis on introducing 20mph limits near to schools.
Jeff Green, Swansea Council's Casualty Reduction Officer, said, "In Swansea, we've installed 20mph zones and limits on roads near schools since 2003.
"The Road Safety Strategy for Wales at that time highlighted the importance of the lower limits. We took that on board quite early on and utilised funding from various sources to implement these measures."
Latest statistics show there are now around 150 streets or roads in Swansea that have a lower 20mph limit, the majority of which, are near schools. One of the most recent schools to benefit from the reduction in speed limits is Oystermouth Primary School. Other schools to benefit from the lower limits include St Thomas Community School and Dunvant Primary.
The Council also states that these lower limits are having the desired effect in helping to reduce road accidents involving children. In Swansea the average number of school children that were involved in accidents when walking to or from school between 1994 and 1998 was 53. The latest figures show this figure has dropped to 22.
Mr Green added, "We're delighted that there has been a decrease in these figures. We are committed to making the streets safer for children and people in communities."
This year a record nine schools in Swansea were successful in obtaining Safe Routes in Communities funding via the annual Transport Grant settlement from WAG. The schools have all worked with the Council's Road Safety Team to address road safety issues specific to them.
John Hague, Cabinet Member for the Environment in Swansea Council, said, "The Safe Routes in Communities scheme is a fantastic way of involving schools and communities in providing safer environments for pedestrians."
18/6/08
Denbighshire County Council is joining in the spirit of Bike Week (June 14 – 22) with a series of training activities for the county’s children.
Bike Week is an annual opportunity to promote cycling as a source of fitness and fun.
Denbighshire's Road Safety Team organises cycle training using the new National Standards www.ctsb.org.uk These replaced the old cycle proficiency, which many people will be familiar with, last September.
Over 500 young cyclists from 25 of the county's primary or junior schools have taken levels 1 and 2 training during this school year. This training continues throughout Bike Week at Clocaenog and Cyffylliog primary schools.
On Wednesday, June 18, Bryn Hedydd primary school, Rhyl, is holding a Cycle Fun Day for all the pupils, based on the national standards level 1 exercises and graded to suit each year group. This is being arranged by a parent, Barry Dunn, who is also an accredited instructor for the new training. Level 1 of the new standards is a series of off road control and manoeuvrability exercises designed to ensure that the cyclist is safe to proceed onto the level 2 training which takes place on quiet local roads. The level 3 standard trains cyclists to ride safely in the complexity of the modern road network and traffic conditions.
Cllr Eryl Williams, Lead Member for Environment and Sustainable Development, says, “It’s marvellous to see our young cyclists on their bikes wearing helmets and visibility vests and getting the real road training experience which could enable them to become regular riders as they get older.”
If you are interested in becoming an instructor, please contact Alan Hinchliffe Denbighshire's Road Safety Officer on 01824 706887.
17/6/08
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From left to right: Deputy Chief Constable Andy Edwards, Dyfed Powys Police); 200 Yards Ahead (Pembs); Centre; Tom van Hamer (Carms) Delayed Seed (Ceredigion); Phil Thompson (Chevron Pembroke Refinery) and Susan Storch, Road Safety Officer, Dyfed Powys Police.
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Young musicians from the Dyfed Powys Police force area have performed anti-drink drive songs as part of the Wales wide campaign. The Music Challenge final saw three bands perform their anti-drink drive song which was kindly sponsored by Chevron (Pembroke Refinery). The awareness raising event formed part of the All Wales summer anti drink drive campaign.
The winner of the music challenge was Tom van Hamer of Carmarthenshire with his song ‘On The Road’. He received £250 for himself and £250 and a trophy for Amman Valley School, Ammanford, who he represented.
The runners up were 200 Yards Ahead from Greenhill School, Tenby, they received £150 for the band and £150 for their school.
Third place went to Delayed Seed, from Lampeter Secondary School, who received £100 for the band.
Road Safety Officer Susan Storch said: “We would like to thank all the young people who took part in the competition and the schools they represented. All three acts performed to a high standard and the judges had a very difficult job in deciding the winners.”
“The Music Challenge started in Gwent through Capita Symonds in 2006 and they are now in their third year. Following on from their success we started running this competition through the Mid and West Wales Road Safety group last autumn and we hope to see this as an All Wales initiative in the near future.”
“This is a novel way of engaging with young people and getting across the very serious message of anti drink driving and we will continue to work very closely with all our partners as we start to plan for our second year!”
17/6/08
Pembrokeshire Road Safety officers are urging drivers not to drink and drive because the consequent cost could be too much. They say drinking and driving could lead to a court conviction; a driving ban of at least 12 months; an endorsement on a driving licence for 11 years and even a criminal record.
The Pembrokeshire Road Safety Partnership Forum has joined forces with Brains Brewery to distribute posters leaflets and beer mats spreading the anti drink/drive message.
Forty thousand beer mats will be distributed to pubs and clubs across the County.
The campaign is part of a national Anti Drink Drive Campaign, which is launched this month by Dyfed Powys Police.
Councillor Jamie Adams, Cabinet Member for Highways and Planning said the consequences of being caught drink driving would be steep.
“You may be liable to a fine of up to £5,000 and up to six months in prison,” he said.
“But nothing reflects the everyday consequences of being caught drinking and driving – having to rely on friends and family to drive you around or having to sell your car to pay a hefty fine, or just watch it rust away for months.
“And if you have to find a new job, without a licence you would be unable to drive to work or drive for work – that’s if you can find an employer willing to hire you with a criminal record.”
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Instead of drinking and driving, the Road Safety Partnership Forum urges people to consider alternatives.
“Book a taxi or agree which of your party will not drink and drive at the start of a night out,” said John Gobbi, Pembrokeshire Road Safety Education Officer.
“Use public transport if possible to get home or stay overnight at a friend’s house. Whatever you do never get into a car driven by someone else, who has been drinking,” he said.
For further information about the campaign contact: John Gobbi at County Hall, Haverfordwest. Tel: 01437 775144
16/6/08
Bike Week, a UK annual celebration of cycling runs from 14-22 June 2008.
Government-funded with support from the cycle industry, Bike Week aims to get more people cycling, more often. Any organisation or individual can become an event organiser and take advantage of the support provided during Bike Week, which includes free promotional material, inclusion on the bike week online database, and public liability insurance if required.
The Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing, Jane Davidson marked the start of Bike Week 2008 by cycling into work this morning (Monday 16 June). Ms Davidson said:
I am very pleased to be helping to promote Bike Week and urge people throughout Wales to get out and cycle. I am also pleased that the Assembly is setting a good example by arranging our own events for staff during Bike Week.
She also outlined a number of Assembly Government Initiatives that are underway to encourage people throughout Wales to cycle:
- Walking and cycling Conference - In partnership with Sports Council for Wales, CCW and Sustrans Cymru, to help shape future actions in the promotion of Walking and Cycling on 25 June, now fully booked.
- Introduction of the National Standards in Cycle Training to Wales. Undertaken by CTC Charitable Trust and funded by Welsh Assembly Government, to significantly increase the number of qualified instructors to provide more children with high quality cycle training.
- Bike It Projects - Sustrans Cymru will receive funding for 2 pilot ‘Bike It’ projects that aim to get more school children cycling to school.
- Sustainable cycle tourism and accommodation: Working with Visit Wales to improve provision of accommodation information alongside the National Cycle Routes in Wales, to enable the public to search for accommodation that is close to the National cycle Routes in the same way that can be done for national Walking Trails.
- Olympics 2012 Legacy Action Plan – Officials are in touch with Sports colleagues and the Welsh Assembly Government 2012 Olympics team about promoting mountain bike venues in Wales for training purposes by teams participating in the Olympics.
Ms Davidson added:
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.
Website: Bike Week 2008.
16/6/08
This consultation deals with proposals for setting local speed limits in Wales. It is intended that the guidance be used for setting all local speed limits on single and dual carriageway roads in both urban and rural areas.
The consultation builds on the Circular Roads 1/93 (Department of Transport / Welsh Office 1993) report to reflect important developments in speed management and the increased knowledge of the relationship between speed and the risk of collisions. These guidelines bring together the main features of other published guidance on speed limit related issues, in particular the DfT circular 01/2006, including speed related traffic regulation and signing, street lighting, traffic calming, speed limits in villages and 20mph zones and limits. The guidance also gives examples of the types of roads on which particular speed limits might be suitable and sets out key elements of speed limit legislation.
Hard copies of the consultation document can be obtained from:
Martin Dolan
Senior Transport Planner
Capita Symonds
Ty Gwent, Lake View
Llantarnam Park
Cwmbran
NP44 3HR
Date consultation commenced: Friday 6 June 2008 End of consultation: Friday 29 August 2008
Document Download
12/6/08
Around 60 pupils from Tavernspite CP School have taken part in a Walk to School event during National Walk to School Week. The Walk was organised by the school’s Junior Road Safety Officers supported by officers from Pembrokeshire County Council’s Road Safety Unit.
The annual event was held by the school to encourage the children to be less dependent on the car and reduce the traffic congestion outside the school gates.
The Walk to School is just one of the many actions pupils from Tavernspite are undertaking as part of their school travel plan, to help promote the use of more sustainable transport and improve the road safety environment surrounding the school.
Tavernspite Garden Centre kindly allowed the children to meet in their car park before walking to school together.
County Councillor Jamie Adams, Cabinet Member for Highways and Planning, who was unable to attend, said afterwards: "I am encouraged by the effort of the whole school community, especially their enthusiasm in tackling the growing problem of congestion that is faced by many of the schools in Pembrokeshire today.”
10/6/08
South East Wales’ first ever Junior Road Safety Officer forum was held recently at the YMCA Conference Centre, Newport. It was a fun, action packed educational day, with 17 schools and 61 pupils attending on the day.
The Forum had non-stop activities in the morning, including visits from the Fire & Rescue Services and Heddlu Gwent Police. The children had great fun, climbing all over Duffryn Station’s Fire Appliance, two motorway Police cars and a very flashy Roads Policing motorbike. The JRSOs also had a fun lesson in speed. They had to push, two modified shopping trolleys donated by the Safety Camera Partnership, which had been made to look like cars! They had to push these at just 5mph, which is very difficult to do, as surprisingly they travel at roughly 8 miles per hour.
During the lunch break everyone was kept thoroughly entertained by Abersychan Comprehensive’s Band; who sang their very own Road Safety Song and got the children up and dancing with some popular rock tunes!
Afternoon activities included some very impressive circus skills, performed by Luke from Jugglestruck! Luke always teaches the children about light controlled crossings with the help of his Road Safety Dragon, Smokey! The children also had some on road Pedestrian Training, where they were taught the correct and safest way to cross between parked cars. The Pedestrian Training Coordinators were very impressed with the children’s behaviour and knowledge, which is a great recognition of the fact that they are their school’s Road Safety ambassadors!
The afternoon was rounded off with a lesson about moving up to comprehensive school, how using your all of your senses will help to keep you safe on your new journey; and a Road Safety Behaviour Quiz. From the results of the quiz we discovered that, in the opinion of the children, the most dangerous thing about the road outside their school was:
(i) adults speeding; and
(ii) that they have nowhere safe to cross the road due to parked cars;
and that the worst parking offences were:
(i) adults parking on the footpath; and
(ii) parking on double yellow lines.
The event received generous funding contribution from Capita Symonds, Cwmbran; and was supported by the Welsh Assembly Government; and the participating five Local Authorities of Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council; Caerphilly County Borough Council; Monmouthshire County Council; Newport City Council and Torfaen County Borough Council.
Becoming a Junior Road Safety Officer School is a responsible step to helping pupils become more aware of the dangers of the road and encouraging them to think about their own safety. For more information, please contact anna.smith@capita.co.uk or 01633 463 296.
5/6/08
Five junior road safety experts from a Swansea school are set to do battle against other schools in South Wales in a regional road safety competition. The star pupils from Pontlliw Primary School will head of to Police Headquarters in Bridgend at the end of June after beating off competition from five other Swansea schools in the recent annual Junior Road Safety Quiz organised by Swansea Council’s Road Safety Team.
All the young quiz competitors in the Swansea heat were tested on their knowledge of road safety issues including correctly identifying road signs and highlighting ways to keep safe when walking to and from school.
The Pontlliw pupils were taken into a tie-breaker with a team from Waunarllwyd Primary after both scoring the same points at the end of the quiz.
Wynford Harris, Head teacher at Pontlliw is delighted at his pupils' achievement. He said, "We've reached the final of the Swansea competition many times but never won so I'm delighted for the pupils and the school. Road safety is such an important topic for all the children to learn. They take it very seriously and they have used many of the key skills we teach them to gather their knowledge.
"The pupils are also keen to pass on what they have learned to their parents. Hopefully this can help us cut down on problems such as parking outside schools.
Jeff Green, Swansea Council’s Road Safety Officer said, “The annual quiz is a great way for young children to learn some of the important lessons relating to road safety.
“All the teams really need to know their stuff if they want to win and represent Swansea.
“The standard this year was very high with all the children showing they have taken on board a lot of the road safety knowledge we try and pass on to them during the year.
“Pontlliw are worthy winners and I hope they go on to be successful in the regional finals this month.”
5/6/08
Safety on the Road - A New Music Resource for Year 2.
Music and Road Safety may seem like a strange partnership but as teachers in Monmouthshire recently discovered, this new and innovative scheme has certainly captured the imagination, struck a chord so to speak!
What started as a classroom scheme of work written for pupils in Thornwell Primary School, Chepstow, has been scaled up and developed into an invaluable teaching resource.
Teachers from primary schools in south Monmouthshire recently attended an INSET training course to learn how to integrate basic road safety messages into a terms music lessons.
Bob Young is the teacher who devised the scheme, formerly of Thornwell Primary School, but now “retired”.
The scheme of work he wrote and presented will now be used in schools in Monmouthshire.
Positive feedback from the course participants justified all the preparation in putting this scheme together,
“Good delivery and pace to training. I found all the ideas, information and activities useful. Good to see how activities used with Year 2 class. Super responses and participation.”
Miriam Buchan, Assistant Head and Year 5 Teacher, Shirenewton Primary School.
“The music content actually fitted the road safety aspect. It didn’t feel forced.”
Marc Williams Music Coordinator, Thornwell Primary School.
4/6/08
The number of child pedestrians in Swansea involved in road accidents when walking to or from school has dropped by more than half since 1998. Swansea Council has released new accident statistics highlighting the reduction in accidents and say it is down to traffic calming initiatives and better education for children under 15.
The average number of school hildren involved in accidents between 1994 and 1998 was 53. The latest figures show this figure has dropped to 22.
Further improvements show there has been a reduction in the number of children under 15 involved in accidents including those traveling in a vehicle. The average number between 1994 and 1998 was 165. That figure has now dropped to 109.
Money received by the Council as part of the annual Road Safety Grant and Safe Routes in Communities initiatives is ploughed into traffic calming schemes throughout Swansea. Twenty mile-an-hour zones and pedestrian crossings have been implemented at many schools in recent years. The Council has also highlighted its intention to create safe 20mph zones near every school if funding is available.
Jeff Green, Casualty Reduction Officer in Swansea Council, said. "The efforts to introduce traffic calming measures and spread the message of road safety in schools is clearly having a positive impact.
"Creating safe walking routes to and from local schools is essential in helping to encourage more children and parents to walk to school. We think that the reduction in accidents involving schoolchildren proves we are providing safer environments.
It's vital that we continue this work for the benefit of everyone in the community."
Oystermouth Primary School is one of the latest schools to benefit from the work to create better walking routes. New pedestrian crossings at a busy junction near the school, along with the introduction of a 20mph speed limit, have helped encourage children to walk to school. To celebrate the completion of the scheme, the school organised a walking bus involving dozens of pupils walking together to school.
Allison Gough, the Council's Safe Routes in Communities Officer, said, "The school has been very proactive in its approach to road safety."
A record nine schools were successful in obtaining Safe Routes in Communities funding this year as part of the annual Transport Grant settlement. The schools included are Pentrepoeth, Crwys, Hafod, Knelston, Mayals, Plasmarl, Bishopston, Manselton and Penyrheol Primary Schools.
3/6/08
HENSON the Hedgehog has been leading the way in the fight against school run pollution. As part of National Walk to School week, the Neath Port Talbot Council County Borough Council's Road Safety Team mascot has been joining the pupils from five primary schools on their walking buses.
Blaengwrach school pupils taking part in Walk to School Week 2008
Cabinet member for streetcare and highway services councillor Arwyn Woolcock said the morning run is one of the most polluting journeys made by motorists.
He said: "Many of the environmental problems we are faced with are caused by people taking short car journeys.
"The National Walk to School campaign helps focus attention on the importance of using alternative methods of transport to school to make our county borough a safer, healthier place to live."
Cars produce more pollution on short journeys due to the engine being cold and the need to stop and start because of traffic congestion.
Research suggests that worryingly, the levels of pollution in a car are at least three times higher than on the pavement at the side of the street.
"Traffic congestion and parking problems at schools have become a major issue in recent years and it was great to see so much support for the campaign," added councillor Woolcock.
"In total Neath Port Talbot ten schools regularly run walking buses to encourage more of parents to ditch their cars.
"Walking is better for everyone and I am looking forward to seeing more schools adopting the practice of walking buses and alternative transport schemes in the future."
2/6/08
The Welsh police forces are joining together for a summer campaign targeting drink drivers. The campaign starts on June 10 and will involve increased stop checks by all the Welsh police forces.
People are being urged to think before they drink and not to get behind the wheel if they have consumed alcohol.
Acting Chief Constable Andy Edwards, of Dyfed Powys Police who are leading on the campaign, said: “In the summer many people take advantage to have parties and barbecues especially when the sun is shining.
“However as these events may take place over a number of hours they may lose track of how much they have had to drink. We would like to remind people there is no set amount of alcohol which can be consumed before legally getting behind the wheel."
“People who drink and drive run the risk of killing themselves, their passengers, and other innocent road users. If you are stopped and found to be over the limit you face being disqualified from driving and having a criminal conviction which can have a massive impact on your life."
“The best advice is simple - if you drink, don’t drive.”
During the campaign last summer 7,970 breath tests were administered in Wales with 400 (5 per cent) being positive.
Download Poster here(PDF format 1.5mb )
2/6/08
Pictured are riders who attended a recent Bikesafe weekend workshop at Police Headquarters, Carmarthen. The riders, who had travelled as far afield as Merseyside, all had a thoroughly enjoyable weekend, even though they had to endure some unpleasant weather on the Saturday.
The rideouts took in some of the best roads and scenery covered by the Dyfed Powys police force, including Pembrokeshire, the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons.
Comments from some of the riders included:
“An insight into consequences of how simple mistakes can have disasterous consequesnces” C.M.
“Feel much happier on the bike, feel better going through bends…worth every penny” W.B.
“Has made me a much safer and more confident rider, vastly improved the knowledge I already had” M.Y.
“I feel I have gained a lot more confidence” J.M.
“Improved my hazard awareness and use of gears…great benefit and the course was well worth while” J.T.
More about BikeSafe...
29/5/08
Oldcastle Primary School has taken the 2008 Road Safety title after beating off stiff competition at the Odeon Cinemas, Bridgend. Following several preliminary rounds, the Bridgend final proved to be a real test, with lots of hard questions to answer. This was no problem for the finalists however, as the close competition saw runners-up Ysgol Cynwyd Sant beaten only by a 2 point margin, with the other finalists falling in close behind.
Pupils were quizzed on their road safety knowledge by Schools liaison officers PC's Stewart, Warlow and Carpenter. They included questions taken from the 'Arrive alive' book used in classes, the Highway Code and the all important road signs section.
The winners and the runners-up all received plaques to treasure. The Odeon has kindly given the winning and runner-up teams the chance to come and watch a film with their whole class for free!
The Annual Road Safety Quiz does not only provide the schools involved with a lot of fun, but it also plays a vital part in helping youngsters in the Borough 'Arrive Alive', and remain safe on the roads.
Schools Liaison Officer PC Stewart stated "The standard this year has been exceptional, these young people now know more about road safety than many of their parents and teachers. Accidents on the road remain a major concern in the Borough, and with the help of events such as the Road Safety Quiz, the knowledge imparted on these young people will stay with them for life, and enabling them to live in a safer Bridgend."
BCBC Road Safety Officer Simon Ladbroke added "Road Safety is a priority in the County. Well done to all who took part, especially Oldcastle who performed extremely well."
Thanks go out to the Odeon Cinemas, who have very kindly supported the quiz for another year, the BCBC Road Safety team, South Wales Police and of course all the pupils and teachers for coming along.
See you next year!
28/5/08
Motorists who park illegally at Lamphey School will be told about the dangers of doing so by the pupils.
PCSO Kelly Mackay, from the Pembroke Neighbourhood Policing team, has recently held a competition at the school to design a leaflet about illegal parking.
She said: “The school was experiencing lots of problems with illegally parked vehicles and congestion in the village at drop off and pick up times.
“I worked very closely with the school council which is made up of pupils from the school and the junior road safety officers to tackle these issues. I asked all the pupils to design an A5 leaflet to outline the dangers of parking on the zig zags. “The pupils put in a lot of hard work and effort and their leaflets as the competition was very hard to judge. When we first started the initiative some months ago we counted around 35 illegally parked vehicles now there is approximately 8, so together with the junior road safety officers we are aiming to get the last few vehicles to park safely.”
The winner was Madeline Phillips and her winning leaflet will now be distributed to all the illegally parked vehicles at drop off and pick up times at the school to try and educate drivers.
Runners up were: James Davies, Matthew Lewis, William Jones, Abby Smith, James Lewis, Katie McLean, Thomos Lewis and Ellie Dane.
23/5/08
On Wednesday 21st May 2008, a Kerbcraft event took place in the Lord Mayors Reception Room, the Guildhall Swansea.
The presentation was arranged in recognition of the childrens’ efforts in a colouring competition and also an opportunity to share the good news of Kerbcraft in Swansea. An array of people attended, including Councillors, Head Teachers, Teachers, Mums, Dads and Volunteer Trainers.
The Child Pedestrian Co-ordinator, Anna Matthews welcomed everyone to the presentation.
Anna spoke about the success of Kerbcraft in Swansea. The scheme is currently taking place in 9 schools, with a total of 347 children receiving training.
Anna talked about the 3 main reasons, why she thinks Kerbcraft is such a success.
Firstly, due to the fact that each of the nine schools have embraced the scheme, by welcoming Anna and the Volunteers into the school each week. Kerbcraft has become embedded in the ethos and fabric of the school.
Secondly, the children are so enthusiastic and eager about going out on their Kerbcraft session each week.
Thirdly, The Volunteers, Anna gave recognition to the dedication and commitment of all the volunteers, explaining that Kerbcraft would not succeed without their support.
A brief video was shown which mirrored a day in the life of Kerbcraft in Swansea.
The 33 children who were invited along to the event as finalists, waited in anticipation to see who would scope the 1st Prize. Laura Hughes-Dowdle a pupil from Crwys Primary School had plenty to smile about when she was called up to receive a prize as the overall winner of all 9 schools.
The event was a great success; the children were delighted with their prizes and thoroughly enjoyed the magic show at the end of the morning.
22/5/08
On Wednesday 21st May over 50 children from St. Helen’s Junior School, Barry participated in their first ever walking bus. This event was organised to coincide with National Walk to School Week.
The children met up at St. Helen’s Infant School which is located in the centre of town and set off up Ty-Newydd hill to the Junior School. Despite the walk up the hill all of the children thoroughly enjoyed their early morning stroll and are keen to repeat the experience.
Headteacher Mr. Gavin Russ was pleased with the turn out. “It was a great success and we hope to make this a regular monthly event. Thank you very much to all staff and parents who participated in the walk today.”
19/5/08
Kerbcraft learners at the presentation ceremony. Also pictured are Karl Napieralla, Director of Education (left) Councillor Arwyn Woolcock (right) and Road Safety Manager Joy Smith (right)
Dedicated Neath Port Talbot volunteers who help youngsters learn the dangers of the roads, have been learning themselves. And now they have been presented with certificates after successfully completing a unique training scheme developed in the county borough.
The 15 volunteers have been studying the equivalent of an NVQ in Child Pedestrian Skills.
The qualification was developed by the Kerbcraft Co-ordinator in conjunction with the Open College Network and Neath Port Talbot Lifelong Learning Service and is unique in Wales.
The Kerbcraft scheme, which has been operating in Neath Port Talbot for the past six years, currently involves 29 schools and is aimed at providing on-road training for children aged between 5 and 7.
Because of their success with the children the volunteers were offered the chance to gain the qualification and now they have received their certificates.
Road Safety Manager Joy Smith said: "We are delighted with the achievement of our volunteers.
"They selflessly give up their free time to train our vulnerable young people and remain cheerful and upbeat whatever the weather. The nationally recognised qualifications they have achieved further enhances our Kerbcraft scheme and goes a small way to repay them for their dedication and hard work."
19/5/08
Efforts to reduce the number of motorcycle fatalities on the roads of Denbighshire and Wrexham will be supported by a summer of television commercials on ITV Wales (HTV) beginning next week. The 30 second commercial has been commissioned to promote BikeSafe by Denbighshire Council and is supported by Wrexham Council.
Produced by Knew Productions based in Wrexham, in partnership with Speake2, the Chester advertising agency, the commercial will be broadcast on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the summer, with the first showing on ITV Wales next Friday, May 23rd.
The title 'Not Playing Anymore' reflects the devastating impact fatal collisions have on the family and loved ones left behind and the call to action seeks to inspire bikers to improve their riding skills by contacting BikeSafe.
In 2007 there were 152 collisions involving motorcyclists across North Wales 13 of which resulted in deaths, 5 of these were in Denbighshire and 2 were in Wrexham. Research shows that even though many motorcyclists travel to the region from the North of England, the West Midlands, the Wirral and Mid-Wales, many of the bikers who die on roads in North Wales also live in the region.
Insights show that between 70 and 80% of local accidents are due to rider error and that men aged between 35 and 55 are the most at risk, typically in their late 40s and early 50s riding powerful bikes only at the weekends.
John Williams, Denbighshire’s Traffic Safety Officer, said: "Motorcycle accidents are on the increase. As well as providing free motorbike training places for Denbighshire residents we hope that this commercial will literally bring the message home to all motorcyclists to take extra care when out riding and to keep safety at the forefront of their minds; not least to remember those anxiously waiting at home for their safe return.”
Saul Peake of Speake2, said: “Our focus in producing this commercial has been to communicate with those men who don’t perceive themselves as possible victims. “Trying to ride out a mid-life crisis on a bike that’s too big and powerful for your riding skills isn’t just childish - it’s dangerous.”
Click Here To View The "Not Playing Anymore" TV Advert
13/5/08
Bridgend County Borough Council's Road Safety and Trading Standards Service will be holding FREE child car seat safety checks at Tesco Stores, Cowbridge Road, in Bridgend on Thursday 26 June and Friday 27 June from 9am to 3.30pm.
Parents are urged to come along to check their child's seat is correctly fitted. Trading Standards Officers will be on hand to demonstrate how they should be fitted and advise parents of the dangers of second hand car seats.
They will also warn parents not to purchase seats from anywhere other than reputable retailers unless they are certain the seat has not been damaged in an accident, and are provided with the original instruction booklet and all other components.
In 2006, 711 children were killed or injured in cars in Wales. Research has revealed the startling fact that unrestrained children involved in vehicle collisions at 30mph can be catapulted forward at a force equivalent to half a rugby scrum - totalling around 50 stone - collapsing on top of them.
Simon Ladbrooke, Road Safety Officer for Bridgend County Borough Council said: "It's not enough just to own a car seat; unless it is the correct model for your vehicle and child's build, and is fitted correctly, it will not offer the full protection that your child deserves
"We urge parents to come along to our free car seat checks to ensure that they are fitting their child seats safely - it could ultimately save their child's life. People should take advantage of this opportunity to have their seats checked because it's too late after a collision."
Information on car seat safety can be found by logging onto www.childcarseats.org.uk.
13/5/08
School transport in Pembrokeshire is to get a major boost, thanks to a cash injection from the Welsh Assembly Government, through the Welsh Local Government Association.
The money will be spent on developing innovative systems to improve safety on school transport. Pembrokeshire County Council - in partnership with authorities in the South West Wales Transport Consortium (SWWITCH) - has been awarded £626,000 from the Assembly for the three year project.
Two new transport development officers, who will work closely with schools and bus companies, have been appointed to lead the programme.
Hubert Mathias, Transport Manager for Pembrokeshire County Council, said they were delighted at the funding, which would be used to improve school transport provision across the County, and should help create a better travel experience for pupils.
“The aim is to develop and implement a range of measures, such as risk assessments of transport routes, CCTV on buses, and driver and pupil training,” he said.
“This is an exciting project and the new development officers will be working closely with schools, pupils, and transport providers over the coming months.”
More than 6,000 pupils use school transport in Pembrokeshire travelling on 270 routes every day. It costs the Council £4.3 million a year to provide the service for children with a statutory entitlement. The service is largely contracted out to Pembrokeshire-based transport operators.
12/5/08
Junior Road Safety Officers in Rhondda Cynon Taf were recently invited by Paula Vincent, Road Safety Project Officer, to take part in a JRSO notice board competition.
Six JRSO schools entered the competition, all working extremely hard to put their efforts together. It proved a very difficult competiton to judge as all the entries were excellent.
Cwmbach Juniors took first prize with Pentre Primary coming a very close second. Congratulations to the JRSOs in the schools that took part.
YGG Bodringallt
Cefn Primary
Cwmbach Juniors
Penrhiwceibr Primary
Pentre Primary
Penygawsi Primary
9/5/08
Pedestrians will have an easier time crossing a busy city centre road thanks to improvement works by Swansea Council. Seven modern pedestrian crossing points have been installed as part of the major improvement works along West Way and Oystermouth Road.
The new crossings will give pedestrians better access to the Quadrant Bus Station and the newly constructed Metro stops on West Way as well as improved access between the Kingsway and St Helen's Road.
The Council has invested millions in transport grant funding in a bid to improve public transport and beat congestion problems in the city centre.
The works include the construction of a dedicated bus lane along the Kingsway and out along Oystermouth Road. Further works now include the closing of the underpass on West Way.
Geoff Sheel, Interim Head of Transportation in Swansea Council, said, "The focus of the works has been to improve public transport in the city centre and provide better access for pedestrians.
"The newly installed crossing points provide safe access along the entire length of West Way for all pedestrians."
Transport operators in Swansea have already sung the praises of the Council for the work which they say has enabled them to run faster and more efficient services.
7/5/08
The Rt. Hon. Ruth Kelly, MP, Secretary of State for Transport, has announced a number of proposals which address the issue of the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads.
Please click here to learn more: Learning to Drive Public Consultation
29/4/08
BikeSafe - Bridging the Gap, an initiative undertaken by the four Welsh Police Forces, supported by Central and Local Government, helps to assess and advise motorcyclists on how to get the best from their riding, whilst maintaining safety.
Motorcyclists are 40 times more likely to be killed than a car driver; therefore it is vital that riders take the opportunity for extra training to ensure they are able to protect themselves on the road. Visit the BikeSafe website.
The Remaining 2008 BikeSafe Workshops are as follows:
Cwmbrân
17/18 May - Full
7/8 June
28/29 June - Full
5/6 July (Women Only)
19/20 July - Full
6/7 September
27/28 September
Cardiff
17/18 May - Full
12/13 July (Women Only)
20/21 September
Swansea
14/15 June
16/17 August
Carmarthen
17/18 May - Full
21/22 June
20/21 September |
Colwyn Bay
Free 2 Day BikeSafe Workshop to residents of Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, and Wrexham
10/11 May
12/13 June (weekdays)
21/22 June
5/6 July
19/20 July
16 /17 August
23/24 August
13/14 September
27/28 September
11/12 October
|
"It made me aware of everyday dangers that are all too often taken for granted and produced an overview of how dangerous a motorcycle can be in the wrong hands. Personally if this training day was around 40 years ago it may have saved me ending up in hospital three times."
"Really enjoyed the course. I feel I am already improving and feel more confident and progressive."
"Excellent. Thoroughly enjoyed it and will recommend it to others. Looking forward to getting out there and practising."
"Very enjoyable, very informative. The best advanced riding course I’ve ever done."
"The application of theory to on-road practice was astounding."
"The course had the right balance of everything. I have learnt so much and my riding has improved 100%. My confidence has improved loads and I am so glad I attended. Will definitely attend another course in the future. Excellent!"
"The whole course was excellent. Every aspect was well integrated. I have learnt very useful skills and am sure I am now a safer rider, not just on the motorcycle but also in the car - the skills are transferable."
Wales By Bike - A website all about safe motorcycling in Wales written and managed by professional bikers for bikers can be viewed here
28/4/08
Forty local Bobbies have got in the saddle to help beat crime and anti social behaviour in Swansea. The South Wales Police Officers have all taken part in special cycle training with Swansea Council's Road Safety Team in a bid to help them get on their bikes while on the beat.
Sgt Phil Davies of South Wales Police Communities and Partnership Team says the opportunity to put officers on a bike when they are out on patrol means they can create better links with communities.
He said, "Having our local patrols out on bikes instead of in cars makes the officers much more accessible to residents in our communities. The training has enabled them to do this safely."
The Council has also enlisted the help of some of the police officers to boost their training of cycle safety to school children in Swansea schools. This has meant that more children have been provided with vital cycle safety training than ever before. New figures have shown that there has been more than an 11 percent increase in the number of schools who received training in 2007/2008.
Clive John, Swansea Council's Cycle Road Safety Officer said, "We have over 80 primary schools in Swansea which we aim to get around.
"Training the Police to go into schools and provide this vital safety knowledge to schoolchildren has enabled us to visit more schools than we did the previous year. The increase means 1,259 ten and eleven year olds can now ride their bikes with safety in mind when out on the streets of Swansea."
Sgt Davies added, "It's important that we work with local authorities to pass on road safety to schoolchildren. I'm delighted we have been able to make a difference."
25/4/2008
Year 12 and 13 pupils from Ysgol Dinas Bran, Llangollen were taught the reality of being involved in a road traffic collision during a hard hitting presentation this week by firefighters from Wrexham fire station.
The presentation included a series of specialist adverts featuring real life victims and their families, the use of pictures from road traffic collision scenes attended by the firefighters and a life size mock up of a car and dummy passengers involved in a head on collision.
Pupils also had the opportunity to see the 'Firebike', which is used to help teach motorcycle riders the importance of biking safely.
Andy Williams, Crew Manager, White Watch, Wrexham, led the presentation. He said:
"The 17- 21 year old age group is a key target for us - of the 55 people who died in North Wales in road traffic collisions last year, 36 were from this age range.
"We are trying to drive home the importance of safe driving - by persuading these young people to ignore peer pressure to speed or drink drive, and ensure that they wear a seatbelt at all times, we could very well be saving countless lives.
"In the presentation, we talk about our work as firefighters attending the road traffic collisions. By using our own experiences, and showing hard hitting adverts, I believe that these images will stay with the youngsters and have a far more profound effect than facts and figures."
Suzanne Nantcurvis, Head of sixth form at Ysgol Dinas Bran, said:
"We have had a number of serious road traffic collisions in the local area over the last few years, with pupils from the school being tragically killed or injured.
"We felt it was important for the school to address this issue - road safety is concentrated on in our personal social education lessons, but this visit has had an enormous impact on the pupils. I would like to thank North Wales Fire and Rescue staff for attending our school and showing the pupils just how serious the consequences of driving without due care and attention can be."
Tatem Jones, a year 12 pupil at the school, added:
"The presentation was really effective and put a real mental picture in your head - something we won't be able to switch off the next time we get in the car. Everyone in our group took it all in and was affected - I think it will definitely make us all make sure we wear a seatbelt and drive safely when we pass our tests."
22/4/08
Pupils walking to and from three schools in Bonymaen will be safer following the completion of a traffic calming scheme nearby.
Swansea Council has confirmed the completion of the scheme which includes a new 20mph zone along Jersey Road. The schools benefiting from the safety measures include, Pentrechwyth Primary, Cwm Primary and St Illtyds RC Primary School.
Amanda Taylor, Head teacher of Cwm Primary School, said, "We've already identified an issue with motorists speeding along this route.
"The traffic calming scheme devised by the Council has been a great benefit in terms of the safety of of children in the community. I'm delighted the scheme has succeeded in slowing down motorists."
Geoff Sheel, Interim Head of Transportation in Swansea Council, said, "We have previously introduced some 20mph speed limits along some roads in the area. The completion of these latest works along Jersey Road will significantly enhance the safety for pupils choosing to walk to and from school along this route."
Streets in the nearby area already benefiting from the lower speed limits include Bonymaen Road, Cwm Chapel Road, Mansel Road, Carreg Cennen Gardens and Pentrechwyth Road
Mr Sheel added, "Our ongoing work to create 20mph zones and speed limits around schools is an important part of our efforts to create safe environments for children who may be walking to school.
"These measures along with good road safety education in our schools have helped reduce child casualties in Swansea by 30 percent in the last 10 years."
Previous schools and communities to benefit from these works include Dunvant Primary, Manselton Primary and the newly built St Thomas Community School.
21/4/08
Motorists who risk lives by speeding will be targeted as part of a week-long, Europe-wide campaign. From today, Monday 21st April until Sunday 27th April, officers will be on the roads across South Wales enforcing speed limits and fining people caught speeding.
Motorists caught speeding will face a £60 fixed penalty notice and three points on their licence. And certain offences could see drivers taken to court where they can face larger fines and be disqualified from driving.
The focus is part of a week-long, Europe-wide Speed Enforcement Campaign, by TISPOL, the European Traffic Police Network.
Road Safety Inspector Carwyn Evans said:
“Excess speed is a contributory factor in a great number of collisions and even a couple of miles an hour too fast can make all the difference between having a collision or not. Speeding can cost lives. We will be out on the roads to ensure people are sticking to the limits and driving responsibly.”
Officers will be on roads across South Wales including in towns and on major routes.
Local community officers will be targeting areas which have been highlighted as having speeding problems from consultation with communities and will be using speed detection equipment funded by local authorities.
In 2007, 1728 motorists in South Wales were given £60 Fixed Penalty Notices and three penalty points after being caught speeding by patrolling police officers.
Inspector Evans said: “This is a week-long focus but it is part of our continually ongoing drive to make our roads safer and cut the number of collisions and injuries, by educating drivers about the dangers and through enforcement.”
16/4/08
Supported by Chevron Texaco
The annual Welsh Road Safety Awards recognise the good road safety practise, innovative projects and personal contributions being undertaken in Wales. The Award Scheme publicises and raises awareness of the contributions towards road casualty reduction targets. There are five award categories:
Community Award - Recognising the work of Voluntary Groups, Health Authorities and partnerships involved in road accident prevention.
Education Award - For staff and pupils/students who have undertaken innovative road safety projects and other road safety activity.
Individual Award - For anyone in Wales who has shown a sustained or unique contribution to road safety and accident prevention.
Commercial Award - For businesses and organisations in Wales who have supported and/or encouraged road safety promotion.
School Crossing Patrol Award - Recognising an individual school crossing patrol who has shown dedication and commitment to their position over a sustained period of time.
Nominations should be submitted on the following form, (accompanied by any relevant supporting material) no later than Friday 22 August 2008. The Award winners will be invited to receive their Award at the Road Safety Wales Conference dinner on Monday 29 September 2008 at the Future Inns, Cardiff. The Award winners in each category will receive £100 and a souvenir gift.
Click here for Nomination Form
2007 Road Safety Award Winners
15/4/08
Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economy & Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones has used the National Assembly for Wales’ historic new lawmaking powers to put forward plans to improve school transport in Wales. The Minister has laid before the Assembly the draft of the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008.
Ieuan Wyn Jones said:
In Wales we know from tragic results that poor behaviour whilst travelling to and from school is a real threat to safety. This measure will provide a framework to improve safety by tackling unacceptable behaviour.
The Measure also represents an important opportunity to deliver improvements for learners through increasing entitlement to transport for young children, making it free for primary school children if they live two miles or further from the nearest suitable school. At present the law is three miles from the age of 8.
The Measure will also allow Local authorities to change school start and finish times in order to make transport arrangements more effective, efficient or environmentally sustainable.
This new legislation will enable real improvements in safety as well as improve access to Welsh-medium education as set out in our ‘One Wales’ programme of government.
Mr Jones said he aimed to have the main provisions in place for the start of the academic year in 2009 and has made clear his intention to seek fresh legislative power for the National Assembly to take further action on bus regulation and safety issues. He said:
The new measure and guidance will be put in place under powers already available. However, through extensive consultation I am aware of widespread concern regarding bus regulation and safety issues – which at present we cannot fully tackle because of constraints on Assembly law-making power.
I will therefore be making the strongest possible case to seek enhancement of the National Assembly’s powers to take the steps needed to ensure maximum safety for our young people.
In the meantime, I am today issuing new guidance to local authorities on Home to School Transport which sets out best practice for the provision of high quality, safe and effective home to school transport for pupils. As well as encouraging checks on drivers and consideration of the benefits of CCTV and use of escorts, I am discouraging the use of the three for two seating concession and of double deck buses for travel to and from school.
