Wokingham

A Wokingham campaign to persuade drivers and their passengers to wear safety belts and to stop drivers using hand held mobile phones whilst driving, has resumed in the Wokingham district.

Police and fire service representatives, with Wokingham District Council’s highway consultants Mouchel Parkman, stopped 23 vehicles in the town centre on Tuesday December 5 between 12.30 and 2pm, to explain consequences of breaking the law.

Maureen Lockwood, road safety officer with Mouchel Parkman, said: “We need to make sure that people know the importance of wearing the right safety belt - in a collision at just 30 miles per hour, body weight magnifies up to 60 times. People must make sure that both they and their passengers, including children, are wearing the right type of safety belt.”

Executive member for highways and transport Wokingham Cllr Anthony Pollock said: “It doesn’t take long to put a safety belt on and everyone should now be clear that is it against the law to use a mobile phone whilst driving. Observing these simple rules saves lives.”

The police, fire service and Mouchel Parkman will be driving the message home again at another event in Wokingham Town Centre’s market place on Wednesday December 13 between 12.30pm and 2pm.

Maureen Lockwood added: “Often people don’t realise that a child needs a restraint that is appropriate to their age and size. An adult seat belt is designed for someone with an adult bone structure and who is 135cm (4’5’’) or taller. A booster seat or cushion may not be popular with older children, but it puts them in the right position so that they get the maximum protection from the adult belt. It must also be remembered that it is against the law for people to share a seat belt, including a child sitting on a parent’s knee.

”What pleased us at the December 5 event is that when we spoke to people they took on board the message. The Fire Service made it very clear what happens when people don’t wear a seat belt, using the personal experience they have when attending accidents. With just a little more thought on the part of those who break the law, lives could be saved. We’ll be driving that message home again on December 13.”

Further information is available from Maureen by calling (0118) 936 7307 or emailing maureen.lockwood@mouchelparkman.com.

Wokingham District Council