60% of Wiltshire road users don't feel safe
The results of a survey involving more than 800 people have been described as 'worrying.'
Last updated 7th Oct 2020
The Road Safety Survey was carried out by the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners with the aim to help influence a government consultation on roads policing.
The response from the 846 Wiltshire residents that took part is that a greater enforcement of road traffic offences is needed in the county.
More than 62% said they'd witnessed road traffic offences where they'd lived daily like using a mobile phone at the wheel, speeding or not wearing a seat-belt.
The county's deputy police and crime commissioner Jerry Herbert says more needs to be done to show local communities how seriously Wiltshire Police take road safety
"Looking through the results of this survey it paints a worrying picture for Wiltshire.Not only do people not feel safe on the roads, but they also feel that not enough is being done to take action against motorists who break the law. Now, it may be that this is more about people's perceptions of road safety rather than the reality of the situation, but either way, it is clear that something must be done."
"We are fortunate to live in a county where the number of serious road incidents is lower than the national average. But the vast majority of incidents where people are killed or injured are entirely avoidable."
WILTSHIRE POLICE REACTION
Wiltshire Police says its committed to education as well as enforcement to ensure the safety of road users
Alongside enforcing the law, Wiltshire Police take part in regular proactive operations across the county to tackle the causes of serious and fatal collisions, with a focus on the ‘fatal four’
- Speeding
- Using a mobile phone whilst driving
- Not wearing a seatbelt
- Drink/drug driving
In response to the outcome of the survey, Insp Mark Freeman said:
"We welcome the results of this survey and will always endeavour to take the concerns of the public on board when it comes to promoting road safety.
"Enforcement is a small part of tackling road safety - education and engagement with our communities is right at the centre of what we are doing.
"A big focus for us is the fatal four factors which are accountable for the largest proportion of fatal and serious collisions."
Approximately 30 fatal collisions occur in Wiltshire every year but the force stress 'if we can stop just one of these then it’s a victory'.
CAMPAIGNS
Officers take part in a number of proactive campaigns like the recent Project Edward which saw three days of action at different locations where vehicles were stopped.
The A303 between Fonthill Bishop and Chicklade was one of the areas targeted with a motorist clocked doing 110mph.
Over the course of the three days police dealt with more than 30 traffic offences, including three arrests.
SPEED CHECKS
Earlier this week officers carried out speed checks in the Amesbury area with Bulford Road Marlborough Road and the Packway in Larkhill targeted.
Nine speeding tickets were issued while three drivers were reported for not having insurance.
TYRE SAFETY CAMPAIGN
Throughout October Wiltshire Police are supporting Safety Tyre Month with roads policing officers inspecting tyres on vehicles.
The iniativie aims to highlight to drivers the importance of checking he air pressure, condition and tread depth (ACT) of their tyres at least once a month and prior to any long journeys.
Acting Sgt Ben Cox of the Roads Policing Unit said:
"I can't stress enough how important it is to regularly check your tyres, they are the only thing connecting your vehicle with the road".
"If tyres are worn, damaged or deflated, that could impact on things like braking and steering and puts your life and the lives of others on the road at unnecessary risk."
"We are constantly amazed at the state some tyres are in when we stop cars with no tread left and sometimes the cords of the inner tyre wall showing through."
For further information on tyre safety and maintenance visit www.tyresafe.org.