Sheffield motorists urged not to speed as Freedom Day approaches and more look set to hit the roads

As the country gears up for the long-awaited end to lockdown on Monday, July 19, the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership is urging road users to be cautious and ‘do the right thing’ when it comes to speed.

It points out that excess speed is a contributory factor in one in three fatal road collisions.

With all Covid restrictions expected to be lifted next week, the Partnership is supporting a three-week national campaign putting the spotlight on dangerous and inappropriate speeds.

The ‘Slow Down Save Lives’ campaign aims to remind people of the risks and consequences of speeding and encourages motorists to slow down, stick to the limit and travel to the conditions of the road.

Joanne Wehrle, manager for SYSRP, said: “Speed does kill. It sounds shocking but it is true, and this campaign is all about reminding people that if you do the right thing – you will save lives.

“Ultimately, drivers and riders who are travelling at inappropriate speeds are more likely to crash and their higher speed means the crash will cause more severe injuries, to themselves and/or to other road users.

“With restrictions about to be lifted, we want people to be able to enjoy their new-found freedom and make the last year count, don’t let speeding cost you your licence, your job or even worse.”

Latest figures show that 2,644 people were injured in a road traffic collision in South Yorkshire in 2020.

Thirty lives were lost and more than 500 people were seriously injured.

“We know that during the first part of lockdown, there were some excessive speeds recorded on our roads and sadly, there are people out there who continue to break the law,” added Joanne.

“Whether you’re running late, travelling too fast for the conditions or deliberately driving over the speed limit, the fact is you are more likely to be involved in a serious collision.

“Plan your journey, give yourself extra time, make better choices and don’t take risks. Consider all other road users and look out for pedestrians and cyclists, slowing down as you pass them.

“The speed limit is the absolute maximum and does not mean that it is safe to drive or ride at that speed in all conditions.”

Roads Policing Group Inspector, Jason Booth, said: “We are all taught about the dangers of speeding, yet so many people choose to put themselves and others at risk behind the wheel.

“Throughout the campaign our officers will be conducting additional speed checks across the county, targeting locations causing community concern and roads with a higher incidence of reported collisions.

“I would urge all drivers to think twice before driving at excessive speeds, drive to both the speed limit and road conditions at that time. If you don’t, the consequences can be devastating for you and other road users.”

The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and three penalty points.

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