The number of people killed or seriously injured on Lancashire’s roads is at the lowest in 30 years, according to latest figures.
Police say more work is needed to bring them down further, while the County Council argues its soon to be introduced 20 mph speed limits on residential roads will help that downward drop in tragic accidents.
Lancashire Constabulary reports that during 2010, 798 people were killed or seriously injured on the county’s roads. This compares to a yearly average of 1,704 between 1981 and 1985 – 906 less people or a 53 per cent reduction.
“Let’s be clear – one person killed or seriously injured on our roads is one too many,” notes Superintendant Peter O’Dwyer. “We are not complacent and are working hard to reduce this figure even further.
“These figures do however highlight a significant improvement and suggest that the county’s roads are now the safest they have been in years.
“We have been working with other agencies to educate road users about staying safe on the roads and we have been working tirelessly to enforce legislation.
“We are dedicated to continuing with this work to help keep the roads of Lancashire safe.”
In the past five years, the number of people killed or seriously injured has decreased year-on-year, with 1,139 in 2006, 1,000 in 2007, 929 in 2008 and 852 in 2009.
Lancashire Constabulary regularly runs Operation Pathway, which sees high profile action days to support the daily road policing activity, and is aimed at saving lives and protecting people on the county’s roads.
“It’s very encouraging to see that our hard work to make Lancashire’s roads safer is having a real impact on reducing casualties,” notes County Councillor Tim Ashton, Cabinet member for highways and transport. “Every death or serious injury on the roads is a tragedy and has a terrible effect on the lives of those affected.
“I’m determined to do everything I can to maintain this downward trend.
“A whole range of activities have contributed towards the reduction in casualties, from education, to safety schemes on the highways. Last year, for example, around 26,000 school children were trained in pedestrian and cycling safety.
“Following the trials of residential 20mph speed limits in three areas of the county, we’ll also be introducing them to all residential roads and outside schools over the next three years, which will increase safety without adding to people’s journey times and help to make Lancashire an even safer place to live.”
• Advice for staying safe on the county’s roads can be found at www.lancashire.police.uk.
The cameras have helped. But probably the best thing is the speeders' classes. First offenders with no points get the option of paying to attend a one-day speed awareness course, rather than acquiring points, a fine, and a big insurance hike for 3 years (if their offense is not too extreme). Some of the stuff they teach turns out to be inaccurate but it wakes one up to the issue – as does the huge relief at being spared the points.