In 2000, the Government (Department for Transport) set road casualty reduction targets to be achieved by the year 2010 (against an average for 1994-98).

• a 40% reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured
• a 50% reduction in the number of children killed or seriously injured
• a 10% reduction in the slight casualty rate

In addition North Wales Police have set an additional target for 2009/10 to achieve:

• 10% reduction in the number of collisions involving young drivers (16 – 25 years old) resulting in fatality/injury

Partnership working is the foundation of our strategy and we liaise and work closely with the Welsh Assembly Government, the six North Wales Local Authorities, the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA).

Compliance with road safety legislation will significantly reduce the likelihood of collisions and road death and injury. Compliance can be achieved through Engineering, (of roads and vehicles) Education, (formal and informal) and Enforcement Our casualty reduction enforcement strategy is informed by international and national research which provides evidence that enforcement action reduces casualties and that those who commit traffic offences are more likely to be involved in a collision.

High volume enforcement of offences linked to unlawful driving (disqualified driving, no licence, no insurance) and the Fatal 5 (offences identified by research to be the five most significant contributory factors in death and serious injury in road traffic collisions, drink driving, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone and dangerous driving).

Targeting of those at greater risk of being involved in collisions is achieved by using analysis which has identified two priority groups amongst our casualty figures, young drivers and motorcyclists. Specific strategies have been developed to reduce the risk they pose to themselves and other road users.

Young Drivers

Deadly Mates is a peer pressure campaign predominantly aimed at passengers of young drivers. The campaign includes branding, literature and website and has been adopted across Wales. The enforcement operation targets all young drivers at key times and locations and targeting of PPOs followed by a home visit and the offer of free post test training. WWW.DEADLYMATES.COM

Motorcyclists

Operation Focus is a seasonal enforcement operation run each Saturday and Sunday between Easter and October using money accrued through the Speed Awareness Course. Officers engage with visiting motorcyclists at Force gateways to advise of dedicated resources policing popular routes intent on detecting and enforcing any offences disclosed. Riders are signposted to Bikesafe, which is fully subsidised for North Wales’ residents, whilst offenders are given the opportunity to attend the RIDE course in lieu of penalty points. WWW.BIKESAFE.CO.UK

Camera Partnership

The safety camera partnerships across Wales have been merged to a single all Wales partnership. The Partnership includes the Welsh Assembly Government, each of the 22 Local Authorities, the 4 Police Forces, The Crown Prosecution Service and H.M. Court Services.

The location of static cameras (Gatsos) and the deployment of the mobile enforcement vehicles is decided upon the basis of analysis of casualty statistics. The partnership also has the capability to respond to community complaints about speeding. http://www.arrivealive.org.uk