To help support the police and the road safety community in achieving this goal, I have recruited a new Priority Lead on ‘Safe and social roads’ who brings with him a fresh perspective from a long career connected with the automotive industry and a specialism in older driver safety. We know that drivers aged over 60 for example are our most vulnerable road user group and therefore urge police teams be more vigilant of older drivers in their day to day policing especially those coming out of lockdown.
With more than 60% of all fatal accidents occurring on rural roads in 2018, it is vital that we have the capability to enforce speed restrictions across all road networks in the county. That is why I have supported continued investment in the development of the Camera Enforcement Team and new technology. As well as detecting speeding offences, long-range cameras have identified seatbelt offences, tailgating, the use of mobile phones and vehicle plate infringements.
On our major roads, I would like to see the Constabulary explore options around joint working with Highways England and its traffic enforcement team. I also want to see more community-based activity with enforcement centred on locally identified hotspots. I will therefore be seeking the views of local people to see what safe and social roads means to residents in our towns and villages.
The ethos of safe and social roads is the ability to move around our communities in safety and with as much ease and convenience as possible; respecting other road users, cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians, encouraging people to walk and cycle in a safe and attractive environment and reducing air pollution wherever possible.
I expect the Constabulary to enforce the law when necessary, help educate and collectively all work to reduce offending and antisocial driving.