Tuesday, 07 July 2009 10:32

Recent figures issued by the SSRP show that the number of speeding tickets issued in the county has been in decline throughout the past three years, indicating that motorists are becoming more aware of the speed at which they are driving their vehicles.  However, the Partnership still faces a significant minority of motorists who are not only putting themselves and other road users in danger, but who are breaking the law as well. One the of aims of the SSRP is to make people aware of the dangers posed by exceeding the speed limit and driving too fast for the conditions on the county’s roads

The speed limits on Sussex’s roads – and indeed nationally – are not set arbitrarily and all relate to the local road environment. 

Nationally, it is the Highways Agency who set speed limits on motorways and trunk roads.  Locally, each highway authority has the responsibility to set speed limits in their area, guided by the Government and influenced by local considerations and circumstances.  These might include the accident history on a particular road, whether the road is in a built-up area or not, or what the mix of traffic using the road is. 

With any proposed speed limit, the local traffic authority enters a legal process including extensive consultation with the public, emergency services and the Government before the limit is set.  The finalisation of the speed limit is done through a Local Traffic Order, which then becomes law.

Since the limits are enshrined in law, it is then the responsibility of Sussex Police, working together with the SSRP, to ensure that the law is adhered to.  Exceeding a speed limit is clearly breaking the law and motorists who do this can expect to be penalised for the infringement on detection. 

As speed increases, so does the likelihood of serious injury or even death in a collision.  While vehicles might have advanced a great deal, even in the last decade, with increased amounts of both active and passive safety equipment, the laws of physics have remained constant and higher speeds mean higher amounts of energy expended in collisions.  The higher the energy expended, the more damage is done and the higher the likelihood of more serious of injury.  The deadly equation is as simple as that.

While speed cameras have a significant role in lowering speeds throughout Sussex, the SSRP is actively engaged in educating motorists about the dangers of illegal speed, particularly through the Speed Awareness Course.  Launched in 2008, it offers motorists who have slightly exceeded the posted speed limit the opportunity to attend an education and assessment session to raise their awareness about the dangers of speed and to give them the practical tips necessary to ensure that they stay safe on the roads.

The course has been well received by the public, and evaluation suggests that course attendees appreciate the opportunity to openly and honestly discuss the issues, misconceptions and implications of speeding, particularly through the practical and personal tuition.  While it is too early to evaluate the long-term implications of course attendance, initial evidence suggests a change in attitudes and behaviours of course attendees.

Superintendent Steve Barry of Sussex Police’s Roads Policing Unit comments:

“It is heartening to see fewer motorists activating the speed cameras throughout the county – and this follows a national trend for increased compliance with speed limits.

“However, Sussex Police aren’t being complacent and will be actively patrolling the county’s roads to ensure that the limits continue to be complied with.”

The Sussex community can also take an active part in making the roads safer by reporting any instances of anti-social driving (including speeding, use of a mobile behind the wheel etc) to Operation Crackdown either online – www.operationcrackdown.org – or by telephone – 01243 642222.