Fears over children's road safety
25/07/2011
Driving too fast has become so rampant in the UK that nearly a third of parents (30%) believe their children are at a greater risk on British streets than most other EU countries, new research has shown.
Motorists may end up paying higher car insurance premiums if they are caught driving over the speed limit, but still pedestrians' safety on British roads is a big area of concern.
Road safety charity Brake said that around 70% of parents fear for their own safety while walking along roads.
The survey of 2,000 parents also found that 83% were worried about the safety of their children on streets close to their homes, while nearly three quarters (74%) said that more measures should be adopted to slow down traffic near schools and community facilities.
"We're also calling on local authorities to follow the lead of places like Portsmouth and put in place more widespread 20mph limits, which are a cost-effective way to help make our communities safer, healthier, and more family-friendly places," said Brake campaigns director Julie Townsend.
Road safety minister Mike Penning said: "Britain has some of the safest roads in the world, but if we are to continue to reduce casualties then everyone has a role to play."
Copyright © Press Association 2011
