A national campaign launched today (Monday, November 19) is appealing to drivers to Go 20, to bring about a 2012 legacy of safe walking and cycling for everyone.

Brake, the road safety charity, is appealing to drivers to slow down to 20mph around homes, schools and shops, and calling for 20mph limits in built-up areas, so children and adults can walk and cycle for their health and enjoyment, and for cheap and sustainable travel, without being endangered.

Fleet operators and suppliers nationwide are helping to promote the life-saving slow down message by getting involved in Road Safety Week (November 19-25), coordinated by Brake, and mobilising staff and communities in awareness-raising activities.

Thousands of organisations, schools and community groups around the UK are taking part and Brake is encouraging companies, particularly fleet operators, to take advantage of the event to promote safe driving to staff and show their commitment to road safety in the wider community.

Companies can still register on the Road Safety Week website to receive a pack of free electronic resources, including a guidance sheet by Brake’s Fleet Safety Forum on managing driver speed. 

The Go 20 campaign is highlighting that slower speeds in towns, cities and villages can help deliver a post-2012 legacy of active communities, and prevent devastating pedestrian and cyclist casualties, which increased in 2011.

Many authorities are already recognising the benefits of 20mph by implementing town and city-wide 20 limits, according to Brake. Go 20 calls for: more authorities to do this; the Government to work towards 20mph being the norm in communities; and drivers to pledge to Go 20 around homes, schools and shops, even where 30 limits remain.

Balfour Beatty Fleet Services are visiting three high schools in the Derby area, West Park School, Derby College and Friesland School to deliver interactive presentations which will encourage Year 11 and 12 students to drive safely.

Cardinus Risk Management are holding a cine racing event with a buffet, disco, charity auction and raffle, with all proceeds being donated to Brake to support their work preventing road crashes and supporting the victims.

Colas are engaging their staff on the importance of slowing down to 20mph around homes, schools and shops by running a Bright Day on November 23 at their head office in Crawley and across the UK, where everyone will wear fluorescent clothing to work. 

Meanwhile, Eddie Stobart employees will be working with pupils at West Haddon Primary School in Northamptonshire to deliver road safety messages to children around the importance of Be Bright Be Seen and the Green Cross Code.

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive of Brake, said: “Fleet operators can play an essential role in bringing this about, by ensuring their drivers always put protecting people first, and understand the vital importance of slowing down.

“Our main message in Road Safety Week is appealing to drivers to stay well within limits, and slow down to 20 around homes, schools and shops.

“It makes roads safer for walking and cycling, and makes little difference to journey times. It’s great so many fleet operators are getting involved and helping to communicate this and other life-saving messages this year.

“We urge other employers to register on the Road Safety Week website to get our free guidance on managing driver speed.”

Anyone can pledge their support for Go 20 at www.go20.org.
 

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