News : Take Your Time in 2009
As 2009 begins, Blackpool Council is asking drivers to make a New Year’s resolution that could save lives.
The ‘Take Your Time in 2009’ campaign asks motorists in Blackpool to slow down and watch their speed this year.
Cllr Maxine Callow, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Road Safety, said: “Speed limits are there for a reason and driving above the speed limit, or driving too fast for the conditions of the environment, is poor driving and puts everyone at risk.
“Blackpool is an urban area and although most people take care when driving through residential areas, there are some who do not consider road conditions properly. There will be many occasions when 30mph is too fast.
“We want everyone to help make Blackpool’s roads safer and slowing down can go a long way to achieving this. If drivers can make one New Year’s resolution this year make it to slow down and take more care on the roads.”
According to the Department for Transport, breaking the speed limit, or driving too fast for the conditions on the road, contributes to more than 850 deaths and 33,000 injuries every year.
Yet despite this, research shows that over 70 percent of drivers admit that they still speed.
Throughout the rest of January, Blackpool Council’s Travel and Road Safety team will be promoting an anti-speeding campaign across Blackpool.
Speed limits have been reduced to 20mph in several areas of Blackpool, particularly around schools and residential areas where children play. Drivers are asked to take notice of their surroundings and choose a lower speed where appropriate.
Back in 1999, Blackpool Council ran a similar campaign; ‘Take Your Time in 1999’ and this had a positive impact on slowing people down on the roads and making drivers aware of the speed limit.
Speeding drivers are being targeted as part of Blackpool Council’s Vision Zero campaign which aims to reduce deaths on Blackpool’s roads to zero. Sadly, 3 people died on Blackpool’s roads in 2008 and drivers are asked to recognise that road safety is everyone’s responsibility and that they can help to make the roads safer by driving below the speed limit.
Travel and Road Safety Manager, Carol Bracegirdle, added: “Drivers are reminded that Blackpool is 30mph or less and they can pledge to join the thousands who have already done so to keep within the speed limit. By doing this we can all help to slow the traffic on Blackpool’s roads without the need for physical barriers.
Anyone wishing to pledge to keep below the speed limit in Blackpool is asked to contact the Travel & Road Safety team on 476024 or roadsafety@blackpool.gov.uk for a pledge form.
