CHILDREN from South Yorkshire have helped launch a campaign urging motorists to drive at 20mph in built-up areas to keep people safer.
Maltby Lilly Hall Junior School pupils attended the launch of the Go 20 campaign, devised by road safety charity Brake, at Rotherham’s Lifewise Centre.
Launched to coincide with National Road Safety Week, it is aimed at making walking and cycling safer.
Brake wants all local authorities to introduce 20mph limits in built-up areas.
Martin Howard, Brake campaign spokesman, said: “Everyone in Yorkshire should be able to walk and cycle in their community without fear or threat – it’s a basic right and GO 20 is about defending that.
“Anyone who drives can help bring this about. Pledge to GO 20 in communities, even where the limit’s still 30mph, you’ll be helping to protect people around you and you’ll hardly notice the difference to your journey.
“We’re also calling on government and more local authorities to recognise the need for 20mph – and the huge demand for safe walking and cycling – and GO 20.”
Ken Wheat, South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership manager, said: “We are happy to support the campaign.
“The partnership works to reduce the number of people killed and injured on roads in South Yorkshire, helping to make our communities safer.
“Just one death on the roads costs the economy about £1.7 million as well as the ongoing heartache and upset to the family and loved ones.
“Many of our interventions encourage road users to think about the consequences of their actions and the impact collisions can have on those involved and the community.
“We urge all drivers to slow down and drive within the speed limit and the prevailing road conditions. This is especially important with the onset of the darker nights and wintry weather conditions.”
Meg Munn, Labour MP for Sheffield Heeley, said: “Children in my constituency have told me they are worried about being hit by cars.
“They worry about crossing roads and that drivers won’t see them and stop in time.
“As drivers we can all do our bit to make sure children feel safer by reducing our speed.”
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