News

Survey results show support for safety cameras in South Yorkshire

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

80% of South Yorkshire residents think that safety cameras are meant to encourage drivers to drive within the speed limits.

Results of a recent public opinion survey show that the majority of residents within South Yorkshire are in favour of safety cameras.

The survey, produced by South Yorkshire Police on behalf of the South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership, shows that 80% of people think that safety cameras are meant to encourage drivers to drive within the speed limits and almost 60% of respondents agreed that the cameras are an effective method of reducing road casualties.

Chief Superintendent Keith Lumley, Chair of the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership said, “At a time when the Government has announced some huge cuts to spending on road safety across the country this survey shows that the majority of the public in South Yorkshire are in favour of keeping safety cameras to help make South Yorkshire roads safer.

“Since the introduction of safety cameras in South Yorkshire during 2002 we have seen the number of people killed and seriously injured on our county’s roads drop significantly. In 2002, 740 people were killed or seriously injured on the roads of South Yorkshire, in 2009 this figure dropped to 530. Every death is however a tragedy and we will strive to reduce further the numbers of people killed on our roads through what we know are successful reduction methods.

“The results of the survey are split by age and gender. Casualty statistics show that young male drivers are those most likely to be involved in a road traffic collision and from this survey it is interesting to see that they are the group least in favour of speed cameras”.

“It is clear that the cameras play a vital role in terms of road safety for the county and it is important that we continue to use them as a road safety tool”.

The survey, distributed to over 3,000 residents across the county also showed that 55% of people thought that safety cameras (fixed cameras, mobile cameras and average speed cameras) are the most effective type of speed enforcement.

In addition to the views of the public towards current speed enforcement the survey also asked drivers their thoughts on the possibility of using mobile camera vans to record other types of poor driver behaviour. Of those surveyed 81% thought that mobile cameras should be used for recording people not wearing seatbelts and 91% thought that the cameras should also be used to record drivers using hand-held mobile phones. This is an area of work that the Safety Camera Partnership and its partners within the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership are currently looking into.

Safer Roads Partnership offers free cycle helmet advice

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership joins forces with the Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust to promote cycling safety among youngsters

Latest figures show that in 2008, 16,297 people were inured whilst cycling in Great Britain and 115 were killed*.

In order to help reduce the number of people killed and injured in cycling collisions the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership is supporting the Helmet Watch scheme from the Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust, a charity that helps to reduce the number of children who are killed and injured every year in cycling accidents in the UK.

Youngsters aged between three and 15 who are spotted by appointed police officers and PCSOs wearing their bicycle helmets could receive an on-the-spot prize, a bookmark on how to fit a helmet correctly, an information card for parents and a prize draw card to win one of the bigger regional prizes.

Angela Lee, the founder and Chief Executive of The Bicycle Helmet Initiative Trust, said: "Within just four weeks of launching Helmet Watch 2010 police forces around the UK have requested more than 20,000 Helmet Watch packs.

"The response from all over the country has been amazing with forces from all the UK taking part including Devon and Cornwall, Kent, the Metropolitan Police Force, Merseyside, Staffordshire, Lincolnshire, Flintshire, Hampshire, Somerset, Dorset, Nottinghamshire, Carmarthenshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, North Yorkshire, Belfast and Glasgow as well as South Yorkshire”.

John Scruby, Casualty Reduction Officer for South Yorkshire Police, said: “With the start of the school holidays it is important that we help to keep our children safe on the roads of South Yorkshire, Helmet Watch is a great way of rewarding young people who wear a cycle helmet.

“Head injury is one of the biggest single causes of death and serious injury amongst young cyclists and riding a bike without a cycle helmet could mean the difference between life and death”.

277 motorists arrested for drink or drug driving during June

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As part of a campaign by South Yorkshire Police targeting known drink-driving hotspots during June, 4,862 drivers were breathalysed and of those 277 (5.7 per cent) tested positive, or refused or failed to provide a breath test.

Nationally, drink drive figures for the June 2010 Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) campaign show that across the country 100,853 tests were conducted and 5,652 (5.6 per cent) tested positive, or refused or failed to provide a breath test.

Throughout June, South Yorkshire Police followed an intelligence led approach to the campaign, specifically targeting areas with a known record of drink driving. The police enforcement was supported by a local advertising campaign organised by the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership. The ‘Drinking Like a Fish’ campaign appeared across the county and included a range of advertising methods such as pub display packs, bus-side advertising and online advertising via Facebook.

South Yorkshire Chief Inspector for Roads Policing, Stuart Walne said: “Running an intelligence led campaign meant that whilst the number of breath tests carried out had reduced in comparison to previous campaigns, the number of people caught drink driving actually increased.

“The increased number of arrests shows we are serious about keeping people safe from drink drivers. I'd like to thank not only my colleagues for working so hard, but also the public in helping to inform us of regular drink drivers”.

“Despite our efforts, we still get situations where some people are up to four times over the limit and where others are double the drink driving limit the morning after. It is clear that drink driving kills people and is a factor in road collisions which can have a devastating effect on families and loved ones.

“Such instances are not acceptable on the roads of South Yorkshire. If you know someone that regularly drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol I would urge you to contact South Yorkshire Police on 0114 220 2020 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111”.

Think before you drink

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Don't let it go to penalties. don't drink and drive.

Throughout June, police officers will be enforcing breath testing under current breath test legislation of suspecting a moving traffic offence, following a collision or suspecting that a driver may be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In addition, road traffic officers will be inviting members of the public to voluntarily take a breath test as a way of educating drivers and reinforcing the message, don’t drink and drive.

Drink-related road deaths are nationally still far too high, despite repeated publicity. Latest figures show that in 2008* 430 people (17 per cent of all road fatalities) were killed and 1,630 seriously injured in drink drive collisions across Great Britain.

South Yorkshire Police will target motorists at various times throughout the day at a number of different locations, not just at pub closing times.

The Force’s Chief Inspector for Roads Policing, Stuart Walne said: “We know that the public don’t want drink drivers on the roads. With the World Cup starting this month, the number of people drinking in pubs and at home is likely to increase and therefore the temptation to drink and drive is also likely to go up. In order to address this, South Yorkshire Police is increasing its drink and drug driving enforcement across the county.

“To raise awareness of the dangers of drink and drug driving, efforts will focus on educating road users. High visibility roadside breathalyser testing will take place across the county to deter those who may be tempted and reassure the vast majority or law abiding road users, we want to be discouraging people from taking the risk ahead of dealing with offenders after the event.”

This highly visible police enforcement will be reinforced by an advertising campaign organised by the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership. The county-wide campaign encourages motorists not to drink like a fish: A fish could drink all through the match but would never dream of driving. Don’t let it go to penalties, don’t drink drive. Materials in support of this campaign will appear across the county.

Chief Inspector Walne said: “Both the police and the general public know that drink driving kills people and is a factor in road traffic collisions. Drink driving is an all-year-round issue that increases during events such as the World Cup. We hope our high profile awareness raising will help remind drivers that drinking and driving wrecks lives.

“Our voluntary breath testing scheme will raise awareness of drink driving issues and encourage law abiding motorists to help us identify those who regularly drink and drive. If you know someone that regularly drives whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol I would urge you to contact South Yorkshire Police on 0114 220 2020 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Someone's son

Fri, 14 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A campaign across the whole of Yorkshire and Humber encouraging road users to look out for people on two wheels starts this month.

South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership along with West Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership and Safer Roads Humber are working together to focus on work recently carried out by the Department for Transport in personalising motorbike riders to other road users.

Research has shown that drivers who know a motorbike rider are less likely to in a collision with one. Messages with slogans such as ‘someone’s son’, ‘someone’s wife’ and ‘someone’s brother are to be used to allow riders themselves to become part of the campaign out on the roads.

Across Yorkshire and Humber, 75% of rider casualties result from a collision with another vehicle, most commonly a car. Persons on two wheels make up 1% of traffic but account for 21% of casualties. Over 50% of riders who are injured on the roads are at ‘Give Way’ controlled junctions.

Dave Glanville, West Yorkshire’s motorcycle road safety officer said:

“We’re hopeful that riders themselves will join in with the campaign by wearing the tabards to re-enforce the message to other road users that we’re not just anonymous faceless riders on bikes, we’re real people with family and friends and we all need to look out for each other on the roads.”

Steve Betts, Communications Manager for South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership said:

“This campaign is the first time that road safety partnerships from across the Y&H region have worked together on such a large scale to target both riders and other road users. People on two wheels play make up a disproportionate number of casualties on the roads of Yorkshire and the Humber, and it’s this we’re hoping to alter”.

The campaign is being run across the region and features radio adverts, a 15 foot long advertising van, posters, leaflets, high visibility tabards and a specially commissioned website at www.someones-son.co.uk

Ruth Gore, spokesperson for Safer Roads Humber said:

“This campaign has a message to both the motorcyclists and the driver of other vehicles. Our aim is to raise awareness amongst drivers to look out for bikes at all times but especially at junctions. We need drivers to check once, check twice, check for bikes.”

The three road safety partnerships have joined together for an initial burst of activity during May and early June but activities will continue locally throughout the summer. The partnership are planning for a second big burst of activity for September and October to further remind drivers of the need to look out for bikes as the dark nights being to draw in.

The overall aim of the campaign is to reduce the number of people injured on the regions roads.

No Children Killed on South Yorkshire Roads in 2009

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

For the first time ever since South Yorkshire-wide figures began, last year no children were killed on South Yorkshires roads.

Since county-wide road casualty statistics were first recorded in 1979 there has been a steady downward trend for the number of children killed on the roads of our county and for the first time ever, no children aged 0 - 15 were killed as a result of road traffic collisions in South Yorkshire in 2009.

In addition, the total number of people killed and seriously injured on South Yorkshire roads in 2009 has fallen to 530 – the lowest figure since records began in 1979. For the first time ever since South Yorkshire-wide figures began, last year no children were killed on South Yorkshire roads.

Ken Wheat, South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership Manager said,

"It is a gratifying that during 2009 there were no child deaths on the roads of South Yorkshire, this shows how the Safer Roads Partnership and public awareness of road safety is helping to reduce the number of people killed in collisions on the county’s roads.

"This zero figure makes the Safer Roads Partnership determined to do even more. We must continue to do everything that we can to make the roads as safe as possible for children and other road users alike, and further reduce the number of people killed or injured. Work on reducing the casualties on South Yorkshire’s roads must continue."

According to the Department for Transport (DfT), traffic is the biggest single cause of accidental death for 12 to 15 year olds. Statistics also show that drivers are most at risk of having an accident in the first 2 years or so after they pass their test. One in five newly qualified drivers has a crash of some description within a year.

Keith Lumley, Chief Superintendent at South Yorkshire Police said:

"The Partnership is delighted that we are seeing a reduction in the number of fatal and life threatening collisions in South Yorkshire, especially where children are involved.

"Compare the fact that in 1983 twenty two children died on South Yorkshire roads compared to none in 2009. This is testament to the hard work and dedication of our teams within the Safer Roads Partnership to make every road user safer. Every death is however a tragedy and we will strive to reduce further the numbers of people killed on our roads through what we know are successful reduction methods.

"South Yorkshire Police will continue to target drivers who speed, drink and drive, use drugs, mobile phones, don’t wear seatbelts and drive in a dangerous manner through a range of methods ranging from education to prosecution. Prosecution is often a last resort but if it is proportionate and modifies driving behaviour leading to a life being saved then it will be worth it."

Super bike champion to lead annual Egg Run

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

World super bike champion James Toseland will lead a procession of bikers through Sheffield in a charity Easter egg run to the city’s Children's Hospital on Sunday.

The Doncaster-born star will head up the charity convoy from the South Yorkshire Police Operations Complex on Europa Link near the Parkway, through Attercliffe, the Wicker, West Bar and up to Weston Park, opposite The Children’s Hospital.

The annual Easter Egg Run is organised by the Three Shires Honda Owners Club with support from South Yorkshire Police, a member of the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership, to raise money for The Children's Hospital Charity.

Last year nearly 2000 riders took part in the annual event helping to raise over £7,500 for the charity.

James, who has been supporting the annual Easter Egg Run for many years, will visit patients and families at the hospital to hand out Easter eggs following the ride.

He said: “The Egg Run is something I really look forward to each year. It’s great to meet up with other bikers and to be able to meet staff and patients at the hospital.

“The children at the hospital are the bravest kids you could ever meet, they really are an inspiration.”

The event will take place on Sunday 4 April starting at the South Yorkshire Police Operations Complex on Europa Link near the Parkway with the first bikes leaving for the hospital at 10.00 a.m.

Simon Athey, Senior Fundraiser at The Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We are delighted that James is joining us for the annual Easter Egg Run again this year. James is a great supporter of the charity and really lifts the spirits of patients and their families during his visits to the hospital.

He added: "Bikers who join us on the day will not only get the unique chance to ride with a world champion but will also help us raise much needed funds for the hospital.”

Anyone with a bike wishing to take part in the ride out can attend from 8.30am. The organisers ask that bikers pay £2 to ride, donations are preferred to Chocolate Easter Eggs with all money going to The Children’s Hospital Charity.

Another event keen bikers might also be interested in is the 2010 National BikeSafe Motorcycle Show which will take place at Sheffield Arena on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 June 2010.

The chosen charities for the show are The Children’s Hospital Charity and Yorkshire Air Ambulance. For more information visit www.bikesafeshow.co.uk

Free motorcycle show comes to South Yorkshire!

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As a member of the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership, South Yorkshire Police is proud to announce that they will be the hosts of the 2010 National BikeSafe Motorcycle Show being held at Sheffield Arena Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 June. The event is completely free with free entry and free parking.

The National BikeSafe Motorcycle Show sponsored by Get On offers something for all bikers. In addition to motorcycle attractions, leading manufacturers and trade stands there will be an opportunity for every rider to take a free 45-minute ride-out with an advanced police motorcyclist. Find out more on the show’s dedicated website www.bikesafeshow.co.uk and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

As well as being the main sponsor of the National BikeSafe Motorcycle Show the Get On team will also be attending and offering non-riders and riders who want to get back into motorcycling the opportunity to take a free ride in their controlled environment.

BikeSafe is a national initiative run by UK police forces to promote better biking, improve the safety of motorcyclists on the roads and increase rider enjoyment through creating better riders. Make sure you are part of the National BikeSafe Motorcycle Show 2010 and register your attendance to receive information on how to enter our free prize draw to win a brand new Honda CBF600N!

If you've got any queries about the event please get in touch via the contact page of the BikeSafe website at www.bikesafeshow.co.uk/contact

Romanian traffic officers visit South Yorkshire Police's Road Policing Group

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On Monday 8th March, five Romanian traffic police officers landed in South Yorkshire for a three- day visit to South Yorkshire Police’s Road Policing Group. The visits were organised through the European Traffic Network TISPOL Lifesaver programme. The three-year ’Lifesaver’ project, part funded by the European Commission, began in June 2008 and will run until the end of May, 2011. It focuses on six member states (Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Spain) to assist them in their road traffic enforcement work to save lives.

While in South Yorkshire the Romanian officers observed various roads policing tactics and techniques employed by South Yorkshire Police, studied how serious collisions are investigated in South Yorkshire and how we have integrated Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.

TISPOL general secretary Ian Hamill comments: “Exchanges offer the opportunity for police officers to visit and observe activities taking place which have been found to improve road safety in a particular country. The officers themselves benefit greatly from seeing this first hand, are able to engage with colleagues on the ground and go back to their own police force and share their knowledge and experiences.

“They can advocate, through their own hierarchy, for similar measures to be introduced in their own country. We have seen this specifically with penalty points, drug-driving, automated speeding and ANPR. The feedback we received has been very positive and we believe this is also helping to deliver safer roads in Europe.”

The TISPOL Organisation has been established by the traffic police forces of Europe in order to improve road safety and law enforcement on European roads. Its main priority is to reduce the number of people being killed and seriously injured on Europe's roads.

Over 34,000 drink and drug driving tests given in South Yorkshire

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

South Yorkshire Police tested over 34,000 drivers for drink and drug driving in December making it one of the most active forces in the country.

Drink drive figures for the December 2009 Association of Chief Police Officers-led campaign show that across South Yorkshire 33,964 drivers were breathalysed, with 251 testing positive for drink driving. Nationally, more drivers than ever were breathalysed as 223,423 tests were conducted and 7,638 were arrested.

Of those breathalysed in South Yorkshire, a large number were volunteers who were given the opportunity to try out the equipment so that they could learn more about the experience of drink-drive testing and the dangers of driving whilst over the legal limit.

During the same period, a total of 157 Field Impairment Tests used to test motorists suspected of driving whilst under the influence of drugs were conducted with nine drivers testing positive.

South Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Meredydd Hughes said: "The high number of tests shows we are serious about keeping people safe from drink drivers. I'd like to thank not only my colleagues for working so hard, but also the public.

"The drivers who gave us voluntary breath tests helped us show how law abiding most motorists are, and I apologise to them for any inconvenience caused. We want to now really focus our efforts on the small minority of drunk and drug-using drivers and we will be pursuing them relentlessly."

From those arrested for drink and drug driving across the county, Sheffield accounted for 39% of all arrests, Doncaster 28%, Rotherham 19% and Barnsley 14%.

Throughout December, the highly visible police enforcement was reinforced by a local advertising campaign organised by the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership. The ‘Drinking Like a Fish’ campaign was placed across the county and included a range of advertising methods such as pub display packs, bus advertising and evening street events in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield involving South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and South Yorkshire Police working together as part of the Safer Roads Partnership.

South Yorkshire Chief Inspector for Roads Policing, Andy Male said:

"This Christmas we focused on a reduction strategy rather than a conviction strategy, our aim was to educate the public and make them aware of the dangers of drink driving.

"Despite our annual festive clampdown backed by the local advertising campaign, we still get situations where some people are up to four times over the limit and where others are double the drink drive limit when stopped the morning after. It is clear that drink driving kills people and is a factor in road traffic collisions, such instances are not acceptable on the streets of South Yorkshire."

Chief Inspector Andy Male added that the strategy had a high level of public support and in some cases, out of curiosity, car passengers had asked officers if they could also provide a breath sample after the driver had been stopped, something that the police were happy to co-operate with.

Thousands tested in festive drink and drug drive clampdown

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

You may not know what Santa has in store for you this Christmas, but there are no such surprises for those who take to the road while over the drink and drug drive limits.

Early indications from South Yorkshire Police’s festive clampdown show that more than 23,000 motorists have already been breathalysed on the county’s roads. This includes anyone suspected of committing a moving traffic offence, thought to be driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or following a collision.

And for the first time, SYP’s road traffic officers are also inviting drivers to voluntarily take a breath test as a way of educating motorists and reinforcing the drink drive message.

“I’ve just seen the figures for the first few weeks of our annual campaign and they reveal that we are breathalysing more drivers than ever before,” said SYP Chief Constable Meredydd Hughes.

“With over 23,000 people tested in the area so far, my colleagues are really making a determined effort to stop drink and drug drivers from killing and maiming others, so motorists had better watch out.”

Figures for the first three weeks of the December campaign show that 23,153 drivers have been breathalysed, with 177 testing positive or failing or refusing to provide a sample. During the same period, a total of 109 FIT tests have been conducted with five proving positive for drugs.

Head of the Force’s Roads Policing Group, Chief Inspector Andy Male, said that most people were co-operating with the voluntary breath tests and saw the merits of the scheme.

“But despite our annual festive clampdown backed by a local advertising campaign organised by the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership, we’re still getting situations where some people are up to four times over the limit and where others are double the drink drive limit when stopped the morning after,” he said.

“SYP will target drivers at all times of the day, but particularly those driving in the evening and first thing in the morning.

“Drink and drug driving is an all-year-round issue that takes on a special relevance during Christmas time. We hope our high-profile awareness raising will help remind motorists that drink and drug driving wrecks lives.”

Think before you drink this Christmas

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

430 people killed by drink driving in 2008

With the festive celebrations fast approaching, on 1 December South Yorkshire Police launches its winter drink and drug driving enforcement campaign. The month-long campaign will highlight the dangers of drink/drug driving and the consequences of ignoring their advice.

During the festive period, police officers will be enforcing breath tests if they suspect; a moving traffic offence, a motorist driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs or following a collision. In addition, road traffic officers will be inviting drivers to voluntarily take a breath test as a way of educating drivers and reinforcing the drink drive message.

Drink-related road deaths are nationally still far too high, despite repeated publicity. Last year an estimated 430 people (17% of all road fatalities) were killed and 1,630 seriously injured in drink drive collisions across Great Britain*.

This year South Yorkshire Police enforcement will target drivers at all times of the day, focusing particularly on those driving in the evening and first thing in the morning. In a determined effort to catch those drivers who ignore the warnings and advice police work will include educating people about the dangers of drink and drug driving as well as high profile breathalyser testing.

This highly visible police enforcement will be reinforced by an advertising campaign organised by the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership. The campaign is aimed particularly at young male drivers and encourages them not to drink like a fish: A fish could drink all day but would never dream of driving. Don’t drink drive. Materials in support of this campaign will appear across the county.

South Yorkshire Chief Inspector for Roads Policing, Andy Male, said:

“It is clear that drink driving kills people and is a factor in road traffic collisions. It is an all year round issue that takes on a special relevance and poignancy at this time of year. We hope our high profile awareness raising will help remind drivers that drinking and driving wrecks lives.

“In our summer drink drive campaign 209 people across South Yorkshire were arrested as a result of drinking and driving. I would be happy if over the festive period we had no drink or drug related serious or fatal traffic collisions and no positive breath tests. Unfortunately peoples lives will be ruined by being involved in a road traffic collision caused by a drink driver, a number of drivers will ignore our advice and be breathalysed resulting in them losing their livelihoods.”

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*Source: Road Casualties Great Britain:2008

Estimates for 2008 data are provisional. This is due to Coroners’ data being available for analysis around 18 months in arrears.

Policing Pledge

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

South Yorkshire Police has signed up to the national policing pledge, which means that everyone can expect the same high level of service from their local police force.

In September, South Yorkshire Police launched its own policing pledge campaign, to tell communities in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield all about the pledge, and what it means to them.

The pledge gives these communities a stronger voice, to have their say on local policing and the issues that matter most to them.

For further information visit the South Yorkshire Police website.

South Yorkshire Police joins European speeding crackdown

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As part of a week long speed awareness campaign during August urging motorists to drive within the speed limit, South Yorkshire Police and the South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership recorded 978 motorists speeding in South Yorkshire - equivalent to well over 100 people speeding per day.

Breaking the speed limit, or driving too fast for the conditions on the road, contributes to more than 727 deaths and 4,555 injuries every year across the UK. In 2007, driving over the speed limit was reported as a factor in 13% of fatal collisions and exceeding the speed limit or going too fast for the conditions was reported as a factor in 25% of fatal collisions.

The European-wide TISPOL (Traffic Information System Police) speeding initiative ran from 17 to 23 August and involved police forces from across the whole of Europe focusing on the importance of driving within the speed limit.

The initiative formed part of a European-wide campaign organised by TISPOL (Traffic Information System Police). As part of the campaign, the South Yorkshire Police Roads Policing Unit and the Safety Camera Partnership carried out dedicated operations at known casualty hotspots across the county. The Police operations focused on a number of road safety issues such as mobile phone usage and seatbelts as well as speed enforcement.

Chief Inspector Andy Male, Head of Roads Policing for South Yorkshire said:

“I am appalled that so many people were caught speeding during this week of enforcement. Speed is a factor in most collisions. The faster a vehicle goes, the harder it hits and the more damage it causes. At 20mph, the vast majority of pedestrians hit by a vehicle will survive. At 40mph, the vast majority will die.

“Too many people are being killed on the roads of South Yorkshire simply because drivers are driving too fast. We want drivers and passengers to understand that by sticking to the legal speed limits of the roads, unnecessary deaths can be prevented.

“South Yorkshire Police operates an all year round speed enforcement policy. The fact that within one week alone nearly 1000 drivers were caught speeding highlights the importance of enforcing the legal speed limit all year round. By working closely with the European Traffic Police Network on campaigns such as this we can work together to reduce speed and reduce the number of people killed on the roads.”

For details of South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership mobile speed camera locations visit the website www.safetycamera.org

Safety campaign urges pedestrians to concentrate on the road and stay safe

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In 2008 there were 572 pedestrians killed and 27,910 injured across Great Britain and almost 1 in 5 teenagers report having been involved in a road traffic collision or near miss on their way home from school or college.

At this time of year when students are starting back at schools, colleges and universities it is important to target this particular group of road users and ensure that they stay safe on the roads.

The simple fact is that distractions are a major cause of deaths and injuries to pedestrians. Whether you’re using your mobile phone, or listening to an MP3 player as you cross the road, you’re seriously risking your life and the lives of other road users.
'Pedestrian Road Skill’ is a highly visible new campaign being launched in September by the South Yorkshire Casualty Reduction Partnership. It is designed to help reduce the number of pedestrians killed and injured on the streets of South Yorkshire and it’s all about getting pedestrians to concentrate on the roads and look out for potential dangers.
Andy Male, Chief Inspector for roads policing in South Yorkshire said,

“When a pedestrian is involved in a road traffic collision they have very limited protection and are likely to be seriously injured or even killed.

“Road traffic collisions are the biggest cause of accidental death of 12 – 16 year olds in this country. We all remind younger children of the dangers of crossing the roads however it is the older children and young people who are more at risk and I would ask parents and carers to remind them to concentrate whilst crossing the road and be aware of their surroundings rather than talking on their mobile phone or listening to their MP3 player.

“I would also ask drivers, especially those involved in the ‘school run’, to be aware and conscious of pedestrians and the fact that pedestrians can at times cross the road without taking full account of the traffic. This applies to all pedestrians but can be particularly true of young people and some of the very elderly.”

Road safety awareness materials will be on display across the whole of the county encouraging pedestrians to concentrate on the road and stay safe. South Yorkshire Fire Service, the Police, Safety Camera Partnership and the local Councils will also be distributing information at schools, colleges and local events.

South Yorkshire Police join European speeding campaign to helps save lives

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

People who fail to keep to the speed limit while travelling on roads in South Yorkshire will be targeted by the Police and the South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership as part of a week-long enforcement campaign which starts on Monday 17 August.

The initiative is part of a European-wide campaign organised by TISPOL (Traffic Information System Police). As part of the campaign, South Yorkshire Police and the Safety Camera Partnership will be carrying out dedicated operations across the county. The Police operations will focus on a number of road safety issues such as mobile phone usage and seatbelts as well as speed enforcement.

Inspector Peter Serhatlic, of South Yorkshire Police, said: “Speed is a factor in most crashes. The faster a vehicle goes, the harder it hits and the more damage it causes. At 20mph, the vast majority of pedestrians hit by a vehicle will survive. At 40mph, the vast majority will die.

“Too many people are being killed on the roads of South Yorkshire simply because they are driving too fast. We want drivers and passengers to understand that by sticking to the legal speed limits of the roads, unnecessary deaths can be prevented.

By working closely with the European Traffic Police Network we can work together to reduce speed and reduce the number of people killed on the roads.”

The campaign will run for one week as part of the TISPOL speed campaign but South Yorkshire Police operates an all year round speed enforcement policy.

For details of South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership mobile speed camera locations visit the website www.safetycamera.org

It's a bad call

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

If you’re prepared to answer the call, be prepared to answer the law – that’s the message from South Yorkshire Police to drivers who use their mobile phones on the road.

Since February 2007, the fixed penalty for breaking the law by using a hand-held mobile phone while driving has included the award of three penalty points plus a fine of £60.

Between June 1 2008 and May 31 2009, 4775 tickets were issued in South Yorkshire. That’s 740 more tickets in comparison to the same period the previous year.

Using your mobile phone when driving means you’re not in control of your vehicle. Doing so will risk the safety of yourself, your passengers and other road users.

When you’re driving, switch off your phone, use voicemail so messages can be left for you or let a passenger make or answer a call.

It’s unsafe for a driver to use a hand-held mobile phone. Making or receiving a call even with a hands-free kit, can distract your attention from driving and could lead to a collision.

Responsibility for the safe control of a vehicle always rests with the driver.

Chief Inspector Andy Male, said: “Using a mobile phone when driving is a very dangerous act and that is why it was made an endorsable offence.

“The severity of the penalty reflects the dangers posed through mobile phone use and not maintaining proper control of your car.

“We are determined to do everything we can to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on South Yorkshire roads.

“If you need to make a call or check for messages, find a safe place to park, but remember it is against the law to stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency.”

Sheffield United Players Plan to Drive for Life

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Today, Sheffield United football stars of the future are being encouraged to improve their driving skills and knowledge by attending ‘Drive for Life’, a road safety initiative run by the South Yorkshire Casualty Reduction Partnership.

The two hour interactive programme is designed to provide information that will enable drivers to make sensible and safe decisions when out on the roads.

Issues such as having the correct documentation, speed, drink/drug driving, wearing seatbelts, and distractions are some of the important areas covered.

Presenters come from a range of organisations, including South Yorkshire Police, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership and the local Councils.

Ron Reid, Director of the Sheffield United Academy said:

“I am really pleased that the Sheffield United Academy players have had this opportunity to take part in Drive for Life. If today’s valuable event stops just one of our Academy players being involved in a crash on the road then it has been successful.

As well as playing football, our players are role models to the public and initiatives such as this help us to develop a socially responsible team.

“The Drive for Life programme is very professionally delivered and really drives the road safety message home”.

17 year old Kingsley James of the Academy attended the event, he said:

“Today has been a really good experience. I’ve learnt a lot about the dangers on the road, how speed cameras work and why they are used to make the roads safer”.

John Richardson, Drive for Life presenter, said,

“Drive for Life is free to attend and I would encourage all young people to come along to a future event. Young drivers are over represented in collisions on our roads and this initiative aims to raise their road safety awareness and help them to avoid becoming a statistic.

“Several Driving Instructors actively support the project and regularly encourage pupils to attend. The partnership would be pleased to see others following their example”.

To book your place at a future Drive for Life event visit the website www.drive-for-life.org or telephone 01709 822 957.

All young people attending Drive for Life events receive a certificate of attendance and a free information pack.

Record numbers breathalysed by South Yorkshire Police

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A record number of drivers were breathalysed by South Yorkshire Police during June, resulting in 209 arrests.

Officers breath tested 11,474 motorists compared to 3620 in June 2008 (when 133 were arrested).

Thirty-one drivers out of the 209 were prosecuted after they were involved in collisions.

“This campaign is all about getting the message across that drinking or taking drugs and driving is irresponsible and won’t be tolerated,” said Chief Inspector Andy Male, Head of Roads Policing.

“We continually need to stress to as many motorists as possible that this kind of behaviour can result in death and serious injury. Most people who were stopped were receptive to our awareness campaign but the results show that over 200 people were still prepared to take a risk.

“Even small amounts of alcohol can impair a driver’s ability enough to cause an accident. If caught and convicted motorists will lose their licence and probably their livelihoods.

“Police officers patrolling the roads will stop any driver who does not appear to be in control of their vehicle.”

Eleven people were arrested out of 24 motorists suspected of driving under the influence of drugs. This compares to respective figures of 12 and 27 in June 2008.

The percentage of drivers who refused, failed or provided positive breath tests was 1.82 compared with 3.67 last year.

The campaign ran for four weeks as part of the Association of Chief Police Officer’s summer drink drive campaign but South Yorkshire Police operates an all year round drink drive policy.

Family Fun at Sheffield's Festival of Transport - 28 June

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Organisers are busy preparing to make this year’s Festival of Transport on Sunday 28 June the best on record with much more than the superb collection of classic vehicles.

It’s one of Sheffield’s biggest events held in the lovely setting of Graves Park and is much more than an exhibition of superb classic vehicles – it’s a great day out for all the family and it’s free admission for everyone this year!

New to the Festival this year is a Road Safety Village provided by the sponsors, the South Yorkshire Casualty Reduction Partnership. There will be a chance to test your reaction times, use a speed camera to see how fast you can run, car seat safety advice and a demonstration of the new vehicle licence number recognition cameras. The Fire and Rescue Service will be reconstructing a crash scene to show how they deal with the collisions they encounter.

In addition to over 600 classic cars and vintage vehicles, there will be fun fair rides, children’s electric go-karts, Autojumble, exotic cars, motorcycle club displays and food and refreshment stalls. You’ll even be able to check out themed canal barge cruises operating from Victoria Quays.

Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed, the Council’s Cabinet member for Climate Change and Local Environment commented: “The Festival of Transport is always a great day out for all members of the family and the free admission makes it particularly attractive this year, which many people will certainly appreciate in these difficult times. The superbly restored vehicles are always extremely popular, but there are so many other things to see and do, it really is a fantastic family event.”

The Festival will be open between 10.30am and 5pm and show car parking is just £3.

For more details about the Festival, contact the Council’s Events Team on 0114 273 6433 or visit the event website.