The latest road safety news in brief:
- Date unveiled for 2017 National Motorcycle Safety Seminar (05 July)
- Brake publishes ‘vital’ guidance for cycling fleet managers (05 July)
- M3 smart motorway project complete – but technology yet to be installed (05 July)
- Hampshire drivers encouraged to be ‘drink aware’ this summer (04 July)
- Brake writes to new road safety minister (03 July)
Click here to read the road safety news in brief from the week commencing 26 June.
05 Jul: 15.15
Date unveiled for 2017 National Motorcycle Safety Seminar
Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service is hosting another National Motorcycle Safety Seminar and is calling for prospective speakers to present on the day.
The one-day seminar is free to attend and will take place at Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service’s Training & Development Centre in Stevenage on 17 November.
It is being organised by Tony Smith, risk reduction manager for Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service.
The seminar will provide an opportunity to share best practice and will cover current strategy and how it can be improved. It is intended for all Fire Bike riders, road safety professionals and others with an interest in improving the safety of motorcyclists.
If you are interested in speaking or know of any potential speakers for the day, or would like to attend, please contact Tony Smith by email or call him on 07774 336 270.
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05 Jul: 13.15
Brake publishes ‘vital’ guidance for cycling fleet managers
Brake has published guidance for cycling fleet managers and HR professionals – imploring organisations to be aware of the dangers, and the proactive solutions available, to ensure a safer cycling fleet.
Drawing knowledge from a best practice case study, the guidance highlights the importance of having an established road safety plan for cycling fleets. The report also features practical and procedural advice for those supervising a team of at-work cyclists.
The full document contains a comprehensive guide on safety measures for cyclists, including equipment and route optimisation, as well as the importance of road safety training for all fleet cyclists.
Content within this guidance report also includes an overview of the risks involved with cycling fleets and the importance of road safety awareness and education for everyone involved.
The new resource is available free of charge to all Brake Professional members, while non-members can order the resources from the Brake shop.
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05 Jul: 12.00
M3 smart motorway project complete – but technology yet to be installed
A £174m project to upgrade the M3 in Surrey and Hampshire into a smart motorway has been completed on time – although the required technology is yet to be fully installed.
In a press release issed today (5 July), Highways England announced the last of the cones were removed overnight on 30 June – meaning the new fourth lane is open for traffic in both directions.
Work to test and commission the new smart motorway technology will continue for a short period, with the fully upgraded road opening to traffic later in July. A 50mph limit is in place for safety reasons while this work is carried out.
TUESDAY 04 JULY
04 Jul: 11.15
Hampshire drivers encouraged to be ‘drink aware’ this summer
Hampshire County Council is encouraging drivers to be ‘drink aware’ and stay safe on the roads this summer.
In a press release issued on 28 June, Hampshire County Council says it is supporting the Government’s THINK! campaign in an effort to highlight the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol.
The council is also warning about the dangers of ‘morning after’ drink driving – adding that it takes a lot longer than some people might think for alcohol to pass through the body.
Councillor Rob Humby, executive member for environment and transport at Hampshire County Council, said: “Keeping Hampshire’s roads safe for everybody is our priority.
"We are supporting the national THINK! campaign to highlight to all drivers the consequences of drink and drug driving, and our road safety team is working with colleges and event organisers to encourage drivers to plan ahead, and learn more about when it is safe to drive after a night out.
"It takes a lot longer than some people might think for alcohol to pass through the body.”
03 Jul: 15.00
Brake writes to new road safety minister
Brake has written to new minister for road safety, Jesse Norman, outlining what it says are some of the key road safety priorities.
In the letter, dated 30 June, the road safety charity calls the stagnation of road casualty reduction ‘unacceptable’ – adding that the UK should strive towards a vision of zero road deaths and serious injuries.
Brake also calls for the introduction of ‘demanding’ road casualty targets – as well as the setting up of a UK Road Collision Investigation Branch.
On speed, Brake calls for a reduction in default speed limits where people live, from 30mph to 20mph, and an urgent review of speed limits on all rural roads (except motorways).
The road safety charity also says people in the UK need more space to move in ways that are ‘safe, green, healthy and fair’ – enabling the needs of people on foot and bicycles through segregated and prioritised space.
Click here to read more.
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