The contributions of parliamentarians, campaigners, educators and volunteers in tackling road crashes and casualties were recognised with awards presented by Brake at its annual reception at the Houses of Parliament on 14 January.
The family of Jamie Butcher, who was killed by a speeding driver in 2011, received the Campaigners of the Year Award. The ‘Justice for Jamie’ campaign calls for tougher sentences for drivers who kill, and Brake says that as a result of the campaign, the Sentencing Council has committed to review sentencing guidelines.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Cadets from Congleton, Sandbach and Runcorn received the 2young2die Award for producing a road safety project. The cadets produced three short films in memory of Congleton Fide Cadet Hayley Bates, who was killed in a road crash in 2010.
Julian Huppert (left in pic), MP for Cambridge, received the Parliamentarian of the Year: Community Campaigner Award for campaigning for widespread 20mph limits in his constituency. Mr Huppert began campaigning in 2006 and continued following his election as an MP. In March 2013 Cambridge City Council announced it will implement 20mph limits on most residential and shopping streets.
Rehman Chishti (right in pic), MP for Gillingham and Rainham, received the Parliamentarian of the Year: National Campaigner Award for vigorously campaigning for tougher penalties for drivers who commit multiple offences. Mr Chisthi used his experience as a lawyer to propose changes to sentencing options so that drivers who repeatedly drink drive, or drive when banned, face harsher penalties.
The family of Neil Harold, who was killed in a road traffic collision in 2012, received the Fundraisers of the Year Award. The family, who received bereavement support from Brake, have since coordinated a huge fundraising effort in Neil’s memory which has to date raised almost £40,000 for the charity.
Finally, PCSO Sharron Underwood received the Educator of the Year Award. Ms Underwood, from Warwickshire, has delivered workshops for more than 1,000 students and one-to-one sessions with young driving offenders.
The Awards were presented by Julie Townsend, Brake’s deputy chief executive, and Paul Geddes, chief executive of Direct Line Group, which sponsored the awards and reception.
Julie Townsend said: “Our work would not be possible without the dedicated individuals and partners who work alongside us.
“The winners of these awards have gone above and beyond, showing incredible determination to make a difference in their communities and nationally, and achieving real results.
“We are very pleased to be able to recognise their efforts in helping to make our streets safer and end the terrible suffering caused by road crashes.”
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