‘No Excuse’ road safe launch

North Dorset MP Robert Walter is attending the official launch of the Dorset Road Safe ‘No Excuse’ campaign at Kingston Maurward College tomorrow, (Friday, 15 January).

Road safety is a key issue in Bob’s constituency - which contains several single-track A road accident black spots - so he welcomes this combined crack down by the police, highways department, fire and rescue service and county council to tackle bad driving across Dorset.

Announced back in November, the official ‘No Excuse’ launch will see Dorset Police officers begin working at a variety of locations across the county in a total of 250 two-hour shifts.

This concerted effort is an attempt to reduce significantly the number of people killed or seriously injured as a result of irresponsible driving – be it through the use of mobile phones, distraction by in-car entertainment systems or as a result of inappropriate speeds. Drivers not wearing seat belts or consuming food and drink at the wheel will also be targeted. The campaign is planned to run for a full year.

Friday’s meeting offers a packed agenda and will be opened with an introduction from Robert Smith, Road Safety Manager for Dorset County Council. Attendees will also hear from Professor Steve Stradling of Edinburgh Napier University on driving myths and Chief Inspector Bob Nichols and Pat Garrett of Dorset Police on the enforcement strategy and driver education.

Bob said: “Despite great efforts from Dorset County Council, Dorset Police and our Fire and Rescue Service, rural Dorset suffers from a higher than average volume of single-track A roads. Their twists, turns and blind spots hold many dangers for irresponsible drivers, who in turn risk the lives and loved ones of others.

“I therefore welcome this joint ‘zero tolerance’ approach to cracking down on the causes of death and serious injury on our roads. I very much hope that the driving public will also play their part by accepting and understanding the need to raise awareness of what is and isn’t acceptable on our often tortuous country roads.”