THE topic for our December Councillor Advocates session was road safety, with input from a number of police specialists.

We heard how Vision Zero is making an impact within Devon and Cornwall, working towards the Police and Crime Commissioner’s objective of a 50 per cent reduction in road deaths and injuries by 2030.

It is part of a bigger programme which includes recent grant applications for vehicle activation signs, Speed Watch volunteers and the police acting together under one umbrella.

New equipment which can identify drivers not wearing a seatbelt or using a mobile phone whilst driving has apparently exceeded expectations but sadly shows that some drivers are still quite complacent.

Statistical analysis of data comes into the force on a daily basis and will eventually filter its way down to all levels of local government and other interested parties, including the media so everyone can see the progress being made.

We learned that fans of modified vehicles can now access information through the GCM social media platform which highlights legal means of achieving their goals.

With hits of more than a million for some of the posts it shows that this traditionally difficult to reach community is now being engaged with.

This could be improved further with the possible introduction of more Car Cafés. Held in car parks or other areas not close to residential premises, these events are for those with modified vehicles or an interest in them.

There are several already in place throughout the two counties and because the sites are known and monitored, the road casualty and safety teams can also attend.

Advocates were advised on how Operation Snap – which uses dash cam footage – has proved a really useful tool, highlighting incidences that would normally have gone unnoticed.

Several short videos which were used to bring offenders to justice were shown. Anyone with footage they think might interest the police can upload it at https://www.devoncornwall.police.uk/contact/contact-forms/operation-snap-dashcam-footage/.

We learned that community Speed Watch volunteers formed an integral part of carrying out speed awareness. There has been an increase in the number of these groups being set up although it is frustrating in some instances when sites that are considered important by residents are deemed unsafe when examined by the road safety team.

However, usually an alternative can be found and it is in everyone’s interest that safety is paramount. A short presentation was given on the need for behaviour change as part of the Vision Zero operation. Advocates were shown several clips where drivers’ behaviour could have lead to death or injury and it was shown that through the awareness courses and other such avenues, that drivers can become less complacent behind the wheel.

Of course, if all drivers abided by the rules then resources currently targeted in this field could be used for other measures. There still appears to be a common theme amongst some drivers that speeding, bad driving and being discourteous to other road users is acceptable.

It is this that Vision Zero and integrated measures are looking to change.