****PRESS RELEASE****

DRIVE SAFELY THIS WINTER – Dorset ’s motorists urged to think about driving habits during winter season

The Dorset Safety Camera Partnership (DSCP) is advising Dorset’s motorists to think carefully about travelling safely and adopting appropriate speed in relation to driving conditions as we approach winter.

Johnny Stephens, Operations Project Manager for the Dorset Safety Camera Partnership, comments: “The end of British Summer Time on 29 October saw the clocks go back and heralded the beginning of what is arguably the most dangerous time of year on our roads. Winter brings with it bad weather and longer dark nights that pose a danger to motorists, affecting driver visibility and road conditions.”

Johnny continues: “Drivers need to be aware of the risks associated with driving in bad weather conditions and we are urging people to think about their speed and slow down. It may just save someone’s life. Due to inclement weather conditions, you can still be driving at an inappropriate speed even if you are under the speed limit. It boils down to the fact that motorists need to take responsibility for their actions and the possible implications on other road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists. They need to think about what is, and what is not, appropriate driving behaviour.”

The DSCP recommends that you travel in a well-maintained car and keep a travel kit in your car.

-mf-

-page 2-

The kit could include items such as a de-icer, ice scraper, warm clothes/blanket, a torch, food and drink and a first-aid kit.

Whether you are travelling in Dorset or further afield, allow plenty of time for your journey and check local and national weather forecasts before you set off. Keep tuning in to the local radio stations to check for updates on weather and travel information. It can also be helpful to tell someone your destination and what time you are likely to arrive.

The Dorset Safety Camera Partnership is working together, through a combination of measures including education, engineering and enforcement, to reduce the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on Dorset’s roads, as a consequence of both excess and inappropriate speed.

A comprehensive public information campaign will include bus back advertising, throughout Dorset, and is scheduled to commence shortly.

-En ds-

For further information, please contact Nikki Cope or Sarah Townsend on 01425 472330 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Notes to Editor:

The Dorset Safety Camera Partnership (DSCP) constitutes a partnership between Dorset County Council, Borough of Poole Council, Bournemouth Borough Council, Dorset Police, Dorset & Somerset Strategic Health Authority, Highways Agency, Her Majesty’s Courts Service and the Crown Prosecution Service.

The Partnership, through a combination of measures including education, engineering and enforcement, is working together to reduce the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on Dorset roads, as a consequence of both excess and inappropriate speed. It is responsible for the operation and maintenance of fixed site, mobile and red-light junction cameras throughout Dorset.