Plans foe safer roads are set out

Plans for safer roads are set out

To ensure that Avon and Somerset remain a top force area for road safety, independent candidate in the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections, John Smith, has announced a key priority for him is to improve road safety and reduce road traffic collisions.

If elected on Thursday May 6, John’s policy on improving road safety will be to continue, as well as build upon, the positive work achieved to date by the current independent PCC, Sue Mountstevens. Since 2014 road safety has been a top priority for the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, and the force has witnessed a 20 per cent decrease in the number of people seriously injured or killed on Avon and Somerset’s roads – one of the best records in the UK.

John says: “Road Safety is one of the most common issues local residents raised with me and the PCC team. Since 2014, the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads has fallen by 20 per cent but still more than one person per week is killed on our roads. These deaths are horrific and unnecessary, so I am outlining my policies to help reduce this number if I am elected.”

John’s plans to ensure that Avon and Somerset continues to be a leading force area for road safety include: Speed will remain a focus with the emphasis on prevention rather than income generation. Police should proactively respond to concerns from local people about speeding in their area and support the current 130 Community SpeedWatch groups across the area.

Exploring driver education programmes focused on newly qualified and under 25-yearold drivers, who are most likely to be involved in road accidents. Programmes such as the Honest Truth work with driving instructors to deliver road safety messages to new drivers. Continuing to support schemes such as Near Miss and Close Pass that aim to prevent collisions and to promote tolerance, respect and understanding between different types of road users.

Supporting victims of road collisions, including using Family Liaison Officers, as well as providing appropriate support to emergency service workers who deal with these very difficult and traumatic cases.

Engage regularly with local road user groups and publish key information; Continuing to support the police and work with local partners on the road safety strategy based on the national approach and the main causes of road traffic collisions: careless and inconsiderate driving, drink and drug driving, speeding, mobile phone use and incorrect use of seatbelts.

John continued: “If elected, I will continue to prioritise addressing the five causes of road deaths – drink and drug driving, speeding, careless and inconsiderate driving, mobile phone use and incorrect use of seatbelts.

We need a mix of continued enforcement alongside working with local Community Speed Watch groups, and promoting mutual respect for all road users.”

He adds: “My independence, experience, and proven track record of over 10 years as Chief Executive and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner in Avon and Somerset make me the best choice for your next Police and Crime Commissioner to keep everyone in Avon and Somerset safe on their roads.”

Elections for the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner are being held on Thursday May 6. John’s full manifesto can be viewed on https://www.johnsmith4pcc.com/.