| Cheshire's Road Safety Strategy is designed to enhance the safety of all road users. This approach is of particular importance given the efforts to promote sustainable transport, which may result in greater use of higher risk transport modes. The objective is to achieve modal shift whilst modifying user attitudes and the built environment to reduce the risk attached to the chosen mode.
The overarching desire to reduce road traffic casualty rates is considered in all Council policies and strategies that impact on road users. Many sectors of society (and all individuals) need to work in partnership to achieve this reduction.
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Road Traffic Casualty Reduction Targets
The Council shares the Government's aim of reducing road traffic casualties. The new national casualty reduction targets were announced in March 2000. These set a target of an overall reduction of 40% in the number of people (and 50% reduction in the number of children) killed or seriously injured in road accidents, together with a 10% reduction in the slight casualty rate, when compared to the 1994-1998 Average.
Developing Partnerships within the Community
Various groups have been established to involve the community and raise awareness on safety issues (e.g. on cycling, public transport, powered two-wheelers). Road safety came out as a high priority during both the Local Transport Plan Consultation and the Council's Target 2000 exercise.
Various other local bodies, such as the Police and the Health Authorities, also produce strategy documents which contain accident reduction targets. We will continue to strengthen partnerships with these bodies.
Reducing Vehicle Speeds
Inappropriate speed and misjudgement of speed are a factor in 43% of crashes. A very high proportion of these would be avoided if vehicles were driven at speeds such that they could be stopped within the distance that can be seen, as is the accepted wisdom. Additionally, public feedback indicates that walkers' and cyclists' perception of speed traffic has a negative impact on their quality of life.
Traffic Management measures (including more cameras) aimed at reducing vehicle speeds are being introduced. All driver/rider educational and training initiatives address the speed issue in considerable depth and have being expanded.
Joint programmes with the Police, especially the Traffic Enforcement Unit, and District Councils contain specific actions designed to achieve speed reductions. An overall Speed Reduction Strategy is being jointly developed with Halton and Warrington Unitary Authorities and the Police. Several 20 mph zones are being introduced in Cheshire. Any developments which might flow from the Government review of speed policy will be accommodated.
Bad Driving
Bad driving is at the heart of the 90% of crashes. It is possible to break down this generic factor into more understandable behaviours, each of which requires specific remedial measures:
- Lapses - where the driver is normally capable of dealing with the situation but, through momentary inattention, fails to do so.
- Errors - where the circumstances leading up to the crash result in the driver taking incorrect avoiding action (i.e. a lack of specific skill).
- Violations - where the driver has knowingly chosen a course of action (e.g. speeding or overtaking) which is improper for the circumstances.
Protecting Vulnerable Road Users
Whilst reductions in speed and bad driving will automatically confer benefits on all road users, it is appropriate to consider measures that are directly beneficial to the more vulnerable groups:
Pedestrians
The decline in walking over the past 20 years has not seen a drop in crashes involving pedestrians. Any increase in walking must be accompanied by a reduction in the risk attached to the activity. This will be achieved by encouraging walkers to be more careful and by making the walking environment safer.
Cyclists
The County Council published its Cycling Strategy in July 1998. Money is spent on measures to encourage cycling while improving its safety. All road scheme designs incorporate the needs of cyclists. Planning and development approvals, where appropriate, require provision for this mode of travel. Cycling education and training programmes continue to be encouraged via schools and 'self-help' materials are being developed.
Powered Two-Wheeler Riders (Moped, Scooter and Motorcycle Users)
The increase in sales of powered two-wheelers is likely to be reflected in their use for commuting travel, as well as for leisure purposes. The rider assessment scheme for full licence holders, introduced in September 1999, is being strongly promoted - as is encouragement for riders to undergo 'advanced' training. Support will continue for Advanced Rider Groups.
For further information please contact the Road Safety Unit (01244 973602 mailto:roadsafety@cheshire.gov.uk). |