It’s ‘Question Time’ at the Road Safety GB conference

The 2010 Road Safety GB conference will include an opportunity for various road user groups to present the key road safety issues from their perspective, followed by ‘Question Time’ when delegates and speakers will get the chance to debate the issues raised.

The national conference is being held at Chesford Grange, Warwickshire, 16-17 November. It is hosted by Road Safety GB Mercia Region and sponsored by RSS in association with Colas and Enterprise.

To date more than 125 delegates have registered to attend, with final attendance likely to be in excess of 175. A tabletop exhibition that will run alongside the conference is already fully subscribed. The opening keynote presentation will be delivered by Mike Penning MP, the road safety minister.

The open forum session, entitled ‘Road safety – the issues’, will take place on the afternoon of day one.

Chris Hodder, government relations executive with the BMF (British Motorcyclists’ Federation) will speak on behalf of the motorcycling fraternity, while the young drivers’ advocate is Ross Allen from the Under 17s Car Club.

Richard Smith, head of business & consultancy services at Living Streets, will speak on behalf of pedestrians and Chris Peck, policy coordinator at CTC, the UK’s national cycling organisation, will speak on behalf of cyclists.

Other speakers will represent older drivers and those who drive for work.

The ensuing Question Time will be chaired by Robert Gifford, executive director of PACTS.

Tim Philpot, chair of the conference committee, said: “It will be interesting for road safety officers to hear about road safety from the perspective of road users, rather than fellow professionals. We hope the speakers will provide valuable insight into the issues and challenges we face every day.

“All too often at conferences the time set aside for questions and debate is eroded – that’s why we’ve included a dedicated Question Time to make sure there is ample time for what we hope will be lively discussion.”

The residential delegate fee is £250 plus VAT which includes all conference sessions, refreshments, overnight accommodation and the conference dinner.

Visit the conference website for more information about the event, the agenda and to reserve your place. Or for more information contact Sally Bartrum on 01379 650112