31 May 2019
We have a broad approach to reducing casualties on our county road network. Using a casualty-led approach, the Safer Highways team identifies appropriate engineering measures like traffic calming, and road safety education to improve safety and reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads.
We monitor all accidents which occur in the county, looking at instances where we can put measures in place to reduce the impact of any factors that may contribute to accidents, like speed, weather conditions or night time driving, for example. Where it is appropriate, our engineers create changes to the road environment to encourage road users to behave more safely.
Our road safety education provides learning opportunities for all road users. Over 25,000 young people in Nottinghamshire’s schools received road safety education and a further 10,000 completed the nationally recognised Bikeability scheme last year.
Following the success of events like the Tour of Britain, demand for Bikeabililty has exceeded what we could previously deliver, so we have introduced a subsidy to allow us to grow our training and extend our service.
I’m proud that we are expanding our programme for young drivers through our popular pre-driver programme. It allows 15 – 17-year-olds to get their first experience behind the wheel and this will be extended to include children in the council’s care.
And with an ageing population, it’s vital that we offer lifelong learning opportunities. More mature drivers are the fastest growing age group and Nottinghamshire accident statistics show a clear upward trend in all types of accident involving older road users. Our ‘Drive On’ programme is targeted to older motorists, allowing them to continue driving safely throughout their life. We raise awareness of aspects of driving that may change with age and provide additional training and support in a safe environment.
The county is also influencing road safety on a national level. Our Service Manager for Safer Highways was until recently chair of Road Safety GB and they continue to be involved in improving greater road safety in the UK.
I remain committed to working with our partners and other agencies to make our highways as safe as possible for everyone who uses them.
Councillor Gordon Wheeler
Chairman of the Communities and Place Review and Development Committee
Nottinghamshire County Council
Councillor Gordon Wheeler Chairman of the Communities and Place Review and Development Committee
