LITTLEHAMPTON COUNCILLOR SPEARHEADS ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN

12.00.00pm GMT Wed 16th Feb 2005

Liberal Democrat Town Councillor for Wick with Toddington, David Jones, won great approval from local residents when he recently marked the start of a safety campaign aimed at slowing traffic in Clun Road and Courtwick Road in the Ham ward area of Wick, Littlehampton. Together with the Ham Residents' Association, Councillor David Jones is striving to make the area safer, cleaner and friendlier for the local community.

S.I.D., the Speed Indication Device, was in use on Wednesday last week, after his request was put through the West Sussex County Council Road Safety office. Motorists were reminded of their speed as they approached the electronic display with either their legal speed (and a smiling face), or, if they were speeding with their illegal speed (and a grim face)! But on this occasion it was merely a reminder, on other occasions it can be 'backed up' with a police presence who can then take action against offending drivers. Councillor Jones says, "Parents and other local residents complain that motorists drive much too fast on these residential roads and are worried of the harm that can come to their children. Not only has it been half-term, but with the opening of the new Wickbourne Centre and Surestart there are many more pedestrians about on this road."

While there, Councillor Jones and those with him saw several speeding motorists slow down when they saw the real speed they were doing. A certain reminder that motorists don't always realise exactly how fast they are going where it is not safe to exceed the speed limit. Councillor Jones hopes that this initiative will mark the start of more safe driving campaigns in this area.