News

Tigers team up for road safety

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership is pleased to announce a three-way road safety initiative with the Sheffield Tigers Speedway team and Pirtek Racing.

The three parties have joined together to raise awareness of road safety issues and will be attending the Sheffield Tigers Speedway meet with Premier League champions Glasgow on Thursday 3 May. Speedway fans at the race will have the opportunity to try out driving and motorcycle simulators, meet members of the Sheffield Tigers team and have their photo taken with Andrew Jordan, British Touring Car Championship driver for Pirtek Racing.

Chris Lewis, Motorcycle Casualty Reduction Officer for the Safer Roads Partnership said “Motorcycles make up only 1% of traffic on the roads but account for almost 20% of all road related casualties. We’re attending the Speedway track to promote the importance of road safety, both from the perspectives of the rider and driver.”

Keith Watts from South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue said “Working in partnership with Sheffield Speedway and Pirtek is a great way to promote the importance of road safety. During 2011 there were 30 people killed on the roads of South Yorkshire, the Safer Roads Partnership is determined to reduce these figures further and attending events such as this is just one of the approaches that we take.

"Watching the (speedway) races is exhilarating but members of the public should remember that when they head home the speed limits on public roads are there for a reason.”

Neil Machin from Sheffield Speedway added: "All three parties will look to work together in order to try and make the county’s roads safer for everyone and that will begin with the presence of the Safer Roads Partnership team at Owlerton on Thursday. We are delighted to be a part of such a strong campaign and we look forward to working with both Pirtek and the team from the Safer Roads Partnership."

Signs to make you look twice

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Throughout 2011 there were 3 motorcyclists killed and 84 seriously injured on the roads of South Yorkshire.

In an effort to reduce these figures, the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership will be displaying a series of BEWARE BIKERS and THINK BIKE, LOOK TWICE on roads across the county. The signs will be appearing along stretches of road that have previously seen motorcycle KSI casualties in an attempt to make drivers and riders more aware of each other.

The large signs will be fitted by the two dedicated South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership Motorcycle Safety Officers, Chris Lewis and Del Preece. Copies of the signs will also be shown at a range of bike shops and test centres across the county to explain why they are being used.

Del Preece, explains: “The signs are being placed on biker routes and at junctions that have previously been the scenes of biker collisions, some of which have sadly had tragic consequences.

“There are two types of signs that we will be placing on roads across the county. The Think Bike, Look Twice signs will be displayed at junctions that have historically seen a number of collisions including motorcycles and the Biker Beware signs will be placed on stretches of road where bikes have been involved in single vehicle collisions.

Del continues: “Research shows that 75% of rider casualties in the Yorkshire and Humber region occur from a collision with another vehicle. As a driver, if you hurt or kill someone on the roads it will stay with you forever. ”

Rotherham families invited to free Crucial Crew event

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

On Saturday 14 April, the Lifewise Centre in Hellaby, Rotherham, is holding the first of its ‘Family Crucial Crew’ events for families and members of the general public from Rotherham and the surrounding area.

The Lifewise centre is a life-size film set of a small town, which is used to deliver safety messages to the public.

The community safety departments of South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and South Yorkshire Police, which both work from the Lifewise Centre at Hellaby, invite you to this FREE event. It will be held on Saturday 14 April between 10am and 3pm. At the event a number of important, interactive educational scenarios will be delivered to provide a wide range of knowledge and skills which include:

• Internet safety

• Fire safety

• Crime prevention

• Rotherham United Community Sports Trust

• In2change/Magistrates consequences scenario

• Drugs and alcohol family awareness

• South Yorkshire Police Firearms Support Group

• Parents of young drivers guidance and support

Refreshments will be available from the on-site Busters Coffee shop and there will also be an opportunity for young people to make their own pizza with the pizza party company Pizzatainment.

Superintendent Eddie Murphy from the South Yorkshire Police Community Safety Department, said: “This event is a fantastic opportunity for families and members of the general public from Rotherham and surrounding villages to receive safety advice which will enable them to feel safer and more confident when dealing with certain situations.

“The event is free to attend and will provide an opportunity to not only take part in some important safety scenarios, but to also engage with members of the Police and Fire Service. Just visiting the Lifewise Centre is a unique experience in itself and visitors are always amazed by the on site facilities such as a lifesize courtroom, internet cafe and street scenes all set in a filmset type environment.

“This is the first of these Family Crucial Crew events and following its anticipated success we intend to run future events for families from the Barnsley, Doncaster and Sheffield areas.”

For details of the event please telephone 01709 832 455 or visit the website www.lifewise999.co.uk

South Yorkshire annual road deaths at record low

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The number of people killed on South Yorkshire roads reaches record low according to new figures.

Statistics from the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership show that a total of 30 people were killed on the county’s roads in 2011, the lowest figure since South Yorkshire records began. The overall number of people injured in road traffic collisions also continued on a downward trend.

Chief Superintendent Keith Lumley from South Yorkshire Police, Chair of the Safer Roads Partnership said:

“Ten years ago in 2002, 63 people died on South Yorkshire roads compared to 30 in 2011. 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.

“We will continue to run initiatives that have an impact in reducing risk and casualties, these include a range of targeted educational based activities and road based engineering improvements. Police enforcement will also target those drivers who speed, drink and drive, drive while under the influence of drugs, illegally use mobile phones, don’t wear seatbelts or drive in a dangerous manner. Prosecution is often a last resort but if it is proportionate and modifies driving behaviour leading to a life being saved then it is worth it.

Ken Wheat, South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership Manager said:

“In addition to the record low for the number of people killed on the county’s roads, the figures also show that killed and seriously injured casualties are down by 8.7% based on the 3 year average.

“It is a gratifying that we have reached this record low and I would like to thank the public of South Yorkshire who have played a key role in helping us to reach this point.

“Estimates show that each death on the roads costs the economy an estimated £1.8 million, more importantly behind each death there is a grieving family that has lost a loved one who cannot be replaced. For this reason the Partnership will proactively seek to continuously improve in this vital area of public health and wellbeing”.

James Toseland leads annual Easter Egg Run

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Superbike star James Toseland will lead a procession of big hearted bikers through Sheffield on Easter Sunday to raise money for The Children's Hospital Charity.

Doncaster-born James, who recently announced his engagement to singer Katie Melua, will head up the charity convoy from the South Yorkshire Police Operations Complex to The Children’s Hospital, Sheffield, and will then visit patients and families at the hospital to give out Easter eggs.

Former World Superbike Champion James, who has been supporting the charity for many years, said: “The Children’s Hospital Charity is a cause close to my heart and I like to do whatever I can to support the fantastic work of the hospital and its staff.

“Every time I visit I am always made to feel so welcome by the staff, families and the young patients. I love chatting to the children and always come away feeling inspired by their bravery and courage.”

The event will take place on Sunday 8 April starting at the South Yorkshire Police Operations Complex on Europa Link, then 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.

Last year around 500 riders took part in the event, raising over £5,000 for the charity through bucket collections on the day.

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: "We hope keen bikers out there come and support us on the day. It’s a great opportunity to meet with a world champion biker and at the same time raise money for our wonderful hospital.”

Anyone with a bike wishing to take part in the ride out can attend South Yorkshire Police Operations Complex 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.

The Blue Knights, AA motorcyclists and Sheffield Urban Traffic control will assist the police motorcyclists in ensuring all riders reach Weston Park safely. The first bikes will leave at 10.00a.m prompt.

Tackling motorcycle casualties in Yorkshire and Humber

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Road safety partnerships and Police forces across Yorkshire and Humber are again teaming up this summer to continue a regional road safety campaign aimed at keeping motorcyclists safe on the regions roads.

Over the last few years the partnerships have all been working hard to reduce the number of motorcyclists killed or seriously injured on the regions. Provisional casualty figures for 2011 show that 26 motorcyclists were killed and 462 were seriously injured, which the partnerships feel this is still too many.

The region attracts motorcyclists from around the country who can experience some of the best riding routes available. From the scenic east coast to the expansive Yorkshire moors and dales, it provides breathtaking scenery and superb riding conditions for those who visit.

The popularity of this area brings with it an increase risk of injury cost and the region has seen a significant number of motorcyclists tragically killed and seriously injured year after year, despite widespread publicity around the consequences of irresponsible riding and driving

Roadside education and enforcement operations will continue to underpin this year’s campaign with the aim of reducing rider casualties and improving road-user behaviour. This will be complimented with BikeSafe workshop sessions being run across the region along with rider information and engagement sessions throughout the summer season. The 95 Alive Partnership has launched a new on-line film to compliment the routes booklet it produced last year to aid riders plan their riding routes in North Yorkshire.

The partnership will continue to target drivers through their Someone’s Son campaign. This campaign aims to raise awareness with drivers and asks them to look out for riders and acknowledges that the majority of crashes involve more than one vehicle.

The majority of activities encourage the biking fraternity to help themselves and ensure they do not become yet another tragic statistic.

However, there are a very small number of riders who dismiss these opportunities and think that our road network provides an alternative 'track day', where anything goes.

Humberside Police Deputy Chief Constable David Griffin, who is also Police national lead for motorcycling, said: “We urge riders in our region to help by riding in a safe and legal manner. We have some great riding routes to share and would like you to ride home safely to your family each and every time.”

He continued: “We will not tolerate anti-social riding and the region’s police are working together with road safety partnerships to eradicate this problem. This small minority will be caught and may be diverted to education courses where possible. However, extreme riding is unacceptable; we will prosecute and dangerous riders will be targeted by officers from all forces across all borders. “

The road safety partnerships hope that by working together with the police and riders this summer will be an enjoyable and safe riding season.

Mock trial aims to raise awareness of corporate responsibility and road risk

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Every day of the year more than 150 vehicles driven on company business crash and each year there are 14,000 road deaths and serious injuries involving people at work.

With the advent of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act in April 2008, the issue of driving for and at work is something business employers are no longer able to ignore.

To raise awareness of this important topic of driving for work, the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership is organising a free of charge, half day event for local businesses. The event will take place at the Lifewise Centre, Hellaby, starting at 9am on Tuesday 10 April.

Mike Stanley, South Yorkshire Theme Lead for driving at work : ”Every single business uses vehicles for work, whether they use directors cars, company provided cars and vans, through to employees using their own vehicle to travel around on business.

“There are a lot of misconceptions about what businesses should and should not do in respect to managing their occupational road risk. This important event will make businesses aware of their responsibilities and also the consequences of their actions and how it could affect their business, staff and family.

“At this unique event attendees will have the opportunity to take advantage of specialist help to ensure their business has correct policies, management strategies and training/staff development programmes in place”.

Places at the event are strictly limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. To book your free place/s or to make further enquiries please contact Mike Stanley by telephone on 0114 273 6162 or by email at michael.stanley@sheffield.gov.uk

Partnership urges all road users to 'Think Bike'

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Injuries to motorcyclists are far out of proportion to their presence on our roads: Motorcycles make up just 1% of total road traffic across Great Britain, but account for almost 20% of road user deaths. Provisional figures show that in South Yorkshire alone there were three motorcyclists killed and 85 seriously injured during 2011.

In a bid to increase awareness of motorcyclists and reduce the number of casualties on the road, the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership is asking all drivers to ‘Think Bike’. With the clocks now changed to British Summer Time and the recent spell of warm, sunny weather, the number of motorcycles using the roads has increased noticeably.

Superintendent Eddie Murphy from South Yorkshire Police explains “For many riders, motorcycling is not a year-round activity and a number of people tend to bring their bikes out at the end of the winter months as the weather conditions improve. This is evident with a number of recent fatalities and whilst South Yorkshire has seen some fantastic weather during March, it has sadly contributed to one of our worst weeks in a long time in relation to road traffic collisions.

“I would personally ask all drivers, motorcycle riders, cyclists and pedestrians to give the road their full attention and appreciate that if things go wrong the consequences will shatter lives.”

Chris Lewis, motorcycle safety officer for the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership, said “As a motorcyclist I welcome the good weather coming so soon after winter but motorcyclists are vulnerable road users and it is vital that bikers riding skills match the demands of the road and traffic conditions.

“Riders need to ensure that they are riding in a safe manner and are visible to drivers. As a biker myself I know how important it is to wear the protective clothing, if you’re involved in a collision it will protect you far more than just a pair of jeans and trainers.”

You Could Save Yourself

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A new road safety campaign starts in South Yorkshire as part of a drive to encourage people to wear their seatbelt every time that they get into a vehicle.

The ‘Save Yourself’ campaign run by the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership encourages drivers and passengers to ‘Save Yourself – Stay alive, always wear your seatbelt’.

Figures produced by the Department for Transport show you are twice as likely to die in a car crash if you are not wearing a seatbelt and that approximately 300 lives per year could be saved if all road users wore a seatbelt for every journey.

The campaign also carries a second message about the dangers of using a mobile phone when driving. Research shows that reaction times for drivers using a handheld phone are 30% worse than for driving under the influence of alcohol at the legal limit.

Superintendent Eddie Murphy said: “The number of people nationally who are killed because they are not wearing a seatbelt is unacceptable, our campaign highlights that it is everyone’s responsibility to consider their own safety and wear a seatbelt.

“Whether you’re in your own car, driving with a friend or a passenger in a taxi it is vital that you wear your seatbelt. It could save your life if you are involved in a collision.

If you are caught not wearing your seatbelt you will be given a £60 fixed penalty notice, but could be fined up to £500 if you choose to take the case to court. The driver is also responsible for anyone under 14 not wearing a seatbelt and is liable for the £60 penalty for each child.

“Driving whilst using a hand-held mobile phone places you at greater risk of being involved in a collision, it slows reactions and you are less able to control the car. When a basic hands-free kit can cost as little as £15 or £20, I would urge anyone that has considered making a phone call when driving to purchase a bluetooth kit so that they can answer their phone legally.

“Using a hand-held mobile phone at the wheel is illegal and if you are caught you will be given a £60 fine and three penalty points on your driving license. If you are teaching someone to drive it is also illegal for you to use a mobile phone when you’re in the passenger seat.

“If you are given points then it is a requirement to inform your insurance company, it is likely that this may lead to an increase in your insurance premium”.

South Yorkshire Police runs cycle lights initiative

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Cyclists riding after dark without lights are a hazard on the road according to the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership and as a result Police in Doncaster and Barnsley are clamping down on cyclists riding illegally on footpaths or without lights.

Nationally around 17,000 cyclists are involved in reported road collisions each year, including around 2,500 who are killed or seriously injured. Across South Yorkshire, 45 cyclists were seriously injured on the county’s roads throughout 2010.

If the Police see cyclists riding their bike after dark without lights they will normally receive a fixed penalty notice for £30. As part of a new initiative being trialled in Doncaster and Barnsley, cyclists will have the opportunity to attend a local police station within seven days of their offence to collect a set of lights and avoid having to pay the fixed penalty notice.

Chief Inspector Neil Thomas said "By not making themselves visible to other road users some cyclists are causing a danger not only to themselves, but also to pedestrians and motorists, which is why initiatives like this are so important.

"All cyclists should take necessary steps to be seen when they’re travelling on the road. Bike lights are a legal requirement when riding in the dark but I would also urge cyclists to think about their actions, and would recommend wearing high-viz clothing and a cycle helmet. Additionally, drivers must allow for cyclists on the road, leaving suitable space when overtaking and paying increased attention to cyclists when turning into junctions.

He added: "This initiative is being run as a trial in Doncaster and Barnsley, if successful we hope to run similar schemes again in the future".

Olympic dreams for South Yorkshire students

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

From Monday 20 February, Theatre in Education performances will run across South Yorkshire, delivering important road safety messages to over 3,000 year 8 students.

The production, called Sporting Chance, is delivered by Quickfoot Live on behalf of the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership and covers a wide range of issues, with a strong emphasis on risk taking, peer pressure and distraction. It supports key learning such as decision making and individual responsibility, safety culture and awareness and changing attitudes and behaviours.

The performance concentrates on a character called Jen and her dream of competing in the Olympics. With her thoughts set on her goals the reality of the environment around her is the last thing on her mind. We see the dangers she faces every day on her journey to and from school. Using both physical theatre and comedy, the audience follows the central character’s journey to inevitable tragedy.

A post production workshop gives the audience a chance to discuss the main points of the play in an entertaining and informative way and also helps them to visualise things like stopping distances whilst understanding road safety from different perspectives.

Karen Vickers, the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership lead for young pedestrian safety said “With the Olympics in London this year, this production provides a timely and important reminder to students. Key messages focus on the dangers of taking risks as a pedestrian and the importance of paying the road your full attention, just one moment of distraction could lead to life-changing circumstances.

“Each fatal collision on the road costs the economy approximately £1.8million pounds and devastates families. Unfortunately over the past 12 months we have had a number of incidents regarding pedestrians becoming casualties due to not paying attention because they were using mp3 players or mobile phones, we have even had some playing chicken.

“Having previously worked with Quickfoot, theatre in education work is an important tool for passing these sorts of messages onto year 8 students. The visual impact of the performance is clearly shown in the workshops when students talk about what they have learnt from the show.”

Bikers urged to check their equipment is safe and legal

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Injuries to motorcyclists are far out of proportion to their presence on our roads: Motorbikes are just 1% of total road traffic, but account for 18% of all Great Britain's road user deaths. In South Yorkshire alone there were 67 motorcyclists killed or seriously injured in 2010.

As the weather improves following the winter months, the number of motorcyclists on the roads starts to increase and the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership is urging bikers to check their bike and equipment to make sure that it is safe and legal before heading out on the road.

Superintendent Eddie Murphy from South Yorkshire Police said “For many riders, motorcycling is not a year-round activity and a number of people tend to bring their bikes out at the end of the winter months as the weather conditions improve.

“In addition to carrying out essential checks to make sure that their bike, helmet and other equipment is safe, legal and roadworthy, bikers should also remember that they may not have ridden for a few months and that they may want to consider booking some training such as the BikeSafe workshops run by South Yorkshire Police.

“As weather improves, the local authorities will be dealing with the effects that winter weather has on our roads. I know that problems such as certain road surfaces can be an issue for bikers and if you have concerns about particular roads please report them via your City or Borough Council website.

“We all know that bikes are much smaller than cars and if you’re not expecting to see a bike, you may not until it’s too late. As the number of bikes increases with improving weather towards Spring, I would urge all road users to think bike and help make South Yorkshire roads safer”.

For details of BikeSafe workshops across the country visit www.bikesafe.co.uk

Staying safe on the road to love

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This Valentine’s Day the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership is urging young men to take special care of their girlfriends, highlighting the fact that more young women aged 17-24 are killed or seriously injured as car passengers than as drivers.

Young road users are hugely over-represented in casualty statistics. On average, 1,600 young male drivers and 580 female passengers are killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions in the UK every year.

In South Yorkshire the figures are also startling. From 2006 to 2010, the 17-24 year-old age group accounted for some 24% of all people killed or seriously injured on South Yorkshire’s roads. When you consider that this age group only makes up around 10% of the overall population it highlights the extent of the concern.

Ken Wheat, South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership Manager said, "There are a disproportionate number of 17-24 year olds being killed and seriously injured on the roads of South Yorkshire and male drivers in that age group are nearly three times as likely to be killed or seriously injured as a female driver. Drivers must think about the effects that being in a crash can have on themselves and their passengers and they should always give their full attention to the road.

“I would encourage passengers to speak and up and tell drivers to slow down, drive within speed limits, at a speed appropriate for the road conditions. Quite often passengers feel uncomfortable in telling their drivers to alter the way they drive but in some instances the consequences of not doing so can be fatal."

“As a pedestrian you should also look out for your loved ones – 25% of deaths of teenagers aged 15 – 19 are as a consequence of being involved in a road traffic collision”.

Consider others when travelling through roadworks

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership is urging drivers to be considerate to other road users and road workers when travelling through roadworks.

With ever increasing volumes of traffic associated with modern living the maintenance of our roads becomes more frequent and necessary. The various agencies involved in the repair of our roads do so under increasingly difficult circumstances and, although not always obvious, make every effort to minimise disruption that may be caused.

Superintendent Eddie Murphy from South Yorkshire Police said “I would ask members of the public to take extra care when travelling through roadworks, allowing extra time for their journey to take into account issues such as temporary traffic lights or reduced speed limits.

“When parking close to roadworks please ensure that your vehicle does not cause an obstruction to passing traffic or pedestrians. The temporary works can sometimes include narrowed lanes for traffic and space for parking that would normally be available may not be accessible when roadworks are in operation.

“Roadworks will often have temporary road surfaces and changing lane priorities, adding additional safety considerations for both drivers and pedestrians. The works can sometimes cause delays to traffic which can be frustrating but the work taking place is essential. Both the motoring public and motoring authorities are asked to work together to maintain a safer road network”.

For further details of roadworks taking place in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield visit the website www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/roadworks

4,690 motorists tested for drink driving during December

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

As part of a campaign by South Yorkshire Police targeting known drink-driving hotspots during December, 4,690 drivers were breathalysed and of those 239 (5.1 per cent) tested positive, or refused or failed to provide a breath test.

Of the total number of breath tests carried out, 828 of the tests followed a collision on the road and from these 10.6 per cent were recorded as being over the drink drive limit or unable to provide a breath test.

Nationally, drink and drug drive figures for the December 2011 Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) campaign showed that across the country 157,000 tests were conducted and more than 7,200 were arrested.

Throughout December, 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 campaign raising awareness of drink driving, irresponsible drinking and key safety messages relating to alcohol. The ‘Shaken and Slurred’ campaign appeared across the county and included a range of advertising methods such as local radio and bus-side advertising in addition to online advertising via Facebook and messaging in cinemas across the county.

South Yorkshire Chief Inspector for Roads Policing, Stuart Walne said: “With over 10% of collisions involving drink drivers the message couldn’t be clearer, alcohol and driving must not be mixed. Drink driving kills and has a devastating effect on families and loved ones.

“South Yorkshire Police are serious about keeping people safe from drink drivers. I'd like to thank my colleagues for their diligent work and the public for the support to the campaign and helping us with information of those who selfishly continue to drink and drive.

“If you know someone that regularly drives under the influence of drugs or alcohol I would urge you to contact South Yorkshire Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111”.

Rotherham Fixed Speed Camera Review

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

In 2009, the South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership began a review of its fixed speed camera sites, identifying sites that, based on their location, speed profiles and casualty history should be considered for decommissioning. Five fixed camera sites within the Rotherham area were identified as part of the review.

On 29 November 2010, the camera housings at the five sites were covered with 'Not In Use' bags to identify to motorists that these cameras were not in use.

From 9 May 2011, the trial included alternative speed interventions at the sites in question. These alternative interventions included mobile speed camera enforcement and vehicle activated signs.

Average speeds at all five sites have been recorded since the cameras were covered, the average speed of motorists does not exceed the speed limit at any of the sites highlighted.

The next phase will be to remove the camera housings. These will be made available for use at other locations across the county if required. The relocation of any fixed speed cameras will be dependant upon the casualty history and speed profile of any roads in question.

The five sites that this review has included are:

Fenton Road, Rotherham
A633 Sandygate, Wath upon Dearne
Barnsley Road, West Melton, Wath upon Dearne
A631 Bawtry Road, Brinsworth, Rotherham
A631 Bawtry Road, Hellaby, Rotherham

Make a new year's resolution that could save your life

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Abandoning bad habits when using the road should be considered as part of a road safety-focussed new year's resolution, members of the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership have urged.

According to national figures, failure to look properly is the most frequently reported contributory factor is collisions and is recorded in 40 per cent of collisions reported to the police.

Whether you are a pedestrian, driver, cyclist or motorcyclist you can make a simple new year’s resolution which may just save your life.

Pedestrians

· If you are enjoying music through your phone or mp3 player when crossing the road, be aware that it can distract you from checking for passing traffic.

· If you are going out for a drink, plan your journey home in advance. Over the Christmas period there has been an increased number of pedestrians involved in collisions with vehicles such as busses, trams and cars. Some incidents have resulted in someone dying.

· Always find a safe place to cross the road, even if you have had a drink it will still hurt or cause more serious consequences.

Drivers

· Always drive within the speed limit, at a speed that is appropriate for the road conditions. The weather conditions should always be taken into account.

· Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The consequences of doing so could change your life forever.

· Always wear your seatbelt, they are proven to save lives.

· Never use a mobile phone whilst driving. You’ll receive a £60 and three points on your driving licence if you are caught using your phone whilst driving.

· Allow extra time when travelling in bad weather and consider if you really need to make your journey. Listen to your local radio station for traffic updates.

Scooter riders and motorcyclists

· Always wear protective clothing, it could save your life.

· In poor weather and low light conditions consider wearing high-viz, being seen at all times makes you safer on the road.

· Always ride within the speed limits, at a speed that is appropriate for the road conditions.

· Consider some advanced training such as BikeSafe to further sharpen your skills, details are online at www.bikesafe.co.uk

Pedal cycles

· Make sure that your bike is fitted with appropriate lights if you’re cycling after dark. Riding without lights could result in a £30 fine.

· Always wear a cycle helmet and consider wearing high-viz clothing to make yourself easily seen, it’s no good thinking about it after a crash.

· Footpaths are for pedestrians, cyclists should travel either in designated cycle lanes or on the road. If you are caught riding on a footpath you could receive a £30 fine.

Superintendent Eddie Murphy from South Yorkshire Police said: “Death and injury on the road can cause long lasting grief and anguish to family members and friends. Everyone must take responsibility for their actions on the road, regardless of if they are a driver, pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist.

“Setting a new year's resolution to make road safety a priority will make the roads a safer place for everyone and may just save your life. If you hurt or kill someone on the roads it will stay with you forever.”

Allow extra time for your journey as winter weather hits South Yorkshire

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

With the first snow of December landing in South Yorkshire this week, the Safer Roads Partnership is urging drivers to pay increased attention to winter driving conditions, allowing extra time for journeys and preparing themselves accordingly for bad weather.

Snow, ice and spray on the roads mean that in addition to poor visibility, stopping distances increase and drivers should be prepared for the unexpected on the road. Drivers should allow extra time for journeys and carry emergency kit such as waterproof jackets, gloves and boots, regardless of how long or short their journey may be.

Supporting the recently launched Highways Agency campaign, the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership is asking drivers to:

· be informed - check traffic and weather updates

· be prepared - check your vehicle is ready for winter and always carry your emergency kit including warm and waterproof clothing and a shovel

· be aware - in severe weather Council and Highways Agency winter teams need the time and space to do their job

· be wise - conditions may change, drive with care and full attention

Jon Torn, Station Manager for South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue said “We all know that the weather worsens over winter. Bad weather and longer dark nights are a danger to all road users, affecting visibility and road conditions.

“Drivers and riders need to be aware that there may be black ice or snow on the road and that spray from other vehicles makes it much harder to see what may be happening ahead. The speed limit is a maximum, not a target and you should always drive at an appropriate speed for the conditions on the road.

Superintendent Eddie Murphy from South Yorkshire Police said “Carrying warm clothing and blankets in your car at this time of year is essential. If your car breaks down then you must always get out of the vehicle and as far away from the roadside a possible, particularly as there is a higher risk of vehicles skidding off the road at this time of year.

“If you do break down, in addition to phoning your break-down company I would urge you to call 101, the Police non-emergency number to make sure that the Police are aware of any potential hazards at the side of the road”.

For winter driving safety tips visit www.highways.gov.uk/winter

Free high visibility vests for South Yorkshire cyclists

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Every year across the country around 17,000 cyclists are involved in road traffic collisions, with approximately 2,500 being killed or seriously injured.

With dark nights and winter weather upon us, the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership aims to reduce this figure, encouraging cyclists to think about how they can make themselves safer and more visible to other road users.

The Partnership has a number of high visibility vests that are available free of charge to adult cyclists while stocks last. Vests can be collected from the following places across South Yorkshire:

Barnsley - Connects Offices and libraries
Doncaster - Scarborough House Council Office reception
Rotherham - Council libraries
Sheffield - Howden House Council Office reception

Superintendent Eddie Murphy said: “According to ROSPA, the most dangerous hours for cyclists are during the rush hour - 8.00 to 9.00am and 3.00 to 6.00pm on weekdays. Research also shows that cycling collisions in the dark are more likely to be fatal.

“Cycling is a great way of travelling, it is environmentally friendly and very cost effective but cyclists must be aware that they are often more vulnerable than other road users. Items such as bike lights, high visibility vests and helmets are all ways that cyclists can make themselves more easily seen. The South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership sees this as such an important issue that we thought it was appropriate to take this measure. Cyclists must take positive action to keep themselves safe”.

Are you too young to die?

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership organises road safety events to support the national Road Safety Week.

Nationally, road crashes are the biggest killer of young people and these casualties send shock waves through families and communities. Yet these casualties are preventable, often for reasons like driving too fast or overtaking dangerously, driving whilst using a mobile, driving on drink, drugs or while tired, failing to belt up or even most commonly as a result of not properly concentrating or paying attention on the road.

Road Safety Week runs from 21 – 27 November and during this time members of the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership from South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue, South Yorkshire Police and the local Councils will be speaking to members of the public at Morrisons stores across the county about the dangers and responsibilities of being a driver.

You can come along to try out a driving simulator, see the new interactive Subaru, test out a police breathalyser kit, or simply ask a police or fire officer any questions that you may have about safety on the road.

The partnership will be at the following Morrisons stores throughout the week:

· Monday 21 November – Meadowhead, Sheffield

· Tuesday 22 November – York Road, Doncaster

· Wednesday 23 November – Lower Thomas Street, Barnsley

· Thursday 24 November – Hillsborough, Sheffield

· Friday 25 November – Parkgate, Rotherham

Superintendent Eddie Murphy of South Yorkshire Police said: “In South Yorkshire last year there were 435 people killed and seriously injured on the roads of the county. As a Partnership we work proactively to reduce these figures further, however we can only do this with support from the public of South Yorkshire.

“We must remember that each tragic collision on the roads will have a lasting impact on friends, families and loved ones. Whether you’re a driver, a motorcyclist, a pedal cyclist or a pedestrian you must be aware that you are responsible for your actions on the road.”

The Nationwide Road Safety Week is organised by Brake, the road safety charity. For details visit www.roadsafetyweek.org.uk