Transport for Buckinghamshire to launch new road safety initiative

Transport for Buckinghamshire (TfB) are launching a new road safety initiative called ‘Travel Safe Bucks‘.

The campaign is aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries on the roads of Buckinghamshire through educational campaigns and training events that help raise awareness about the dangers of exceeding the speed limit.

In more than 20% of fatal collisions across the Thames Valley speed is a contributory factor, this figure includes not only drivers who exceed the speed limit but those who drive too fast for the conditions. Driver error in general such as impairment from alcohol or drugs, failure to wear a seatbelt and distraction contributes to around 68% of fatal road crashes nationwide.

The week of Monday 8th May 2017 to Sunday 14th May 2017 also marks the United Nations 2017 Global Road Safety Week which also aims to raise awareness about the dangers of speed and improve education for all drivers.

On Monday 24th April 2017 a change in the law took place which will see ‘excessive speeders‘ handed much harsher penalties. For example drivers caught exceeding 41mph in a 20mph zone, 51mph in a 30mph zone, or 101mph in a 70mph zone may now face being handed six penalty points, a fine equalling 150% of weekly income and a potential ban of up to 56 days.

Mark Kemp, Director for Growth, Strategy and Highways, at Buckinghamshire County Council said : ‘Speeding remains a significant risk on our roads, despite the deterrents and potentially devastating effects on our community. Transport for Buckinghamshire works hard all year round on educational events and training.