About the Partnership
Formed in April 2002, the Bedfordshire and Luton Casualty Reduction Partnership is a multi-agency strategic partnership that aims to reduce the number of people killed and injured in road traffic collisions in our area.
The Partnership is between Bedford Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire Council, Luton Borough Council, the Highways Agency, Bedfordshire Police, Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service and Her Majesty’s Court Service. We also work with other road safety stakeholders on specific initiatives to help reduce the casualty toll on our roads.
Our Purpose and Aims
Our collective aim is to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured in road traffic collisions in our area, in line with the highway authorities’ casualty reduction targets.
Specific objectives are to:
- reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured by at least 40% - from 398 people to no more than 239.
- reduce the number of children killed and seriously injured by at least 50% - from 52 to no more than 26.
by 2010, compared to the 1994-98 annual average.
Our Strategy
We have three main tools to help make our roads safer for everybody: Education, Engineering and Enforcement. We have identified five priority areas for partnership activity based on an analysis of the casualties in our area.
1.Speed
Tackling speeding is a priority area because speed is one of the key factors that determines whether people are able to observe and respond to hazards and also determines the severity of injuries sustained in the event of a collision. Speeding not ony presents a road safety hazard but also affects people's quality of life. We aim to change drivers' attitudes towards speed and driver behaviour through education, publicity and enforcement. Engineering measures to help keep traffic at safe speeds include a review of speed limits, speed limit signs and the use of vehicle-activated signs to name just a few.
2. High Casualty Routes and Sites
We are implementing a range of safety schemes that include engineering, education and enforcement interventions to address problem locations.
3. Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists are 50 times more likely to be injured in a road traffic collision than other riders. They account for less than 2% of the traffic but nearly one quarter of all serious and fatal casualties. We are tackling this with a programme of motorcycle safety schemes, Think Bike publicity and a project to enhance rider training in our area.
4. In-Car Safety
4 out of 10 people killed in road traffic collisions in our area between 2005 and 2007 were not wearing seatbelts. Use of hand-held mobile phones and other distractions are also a source of casualties. We are raising awareness of the issues and hazards through a programme of education, publicity and law enforcement.
5. Young Drivers
Young drivers are more likely to be involved in a road traffic collision due to inexperience. We aim to reduce this risk by offering a range of educational programmes to help develop skills and hazard awareness amongst young drivers.
