Road scheme earns cop praise

8:18pm Friday 18th July 2008

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LOCAL groups involved in an award-winning scheme to cut collisions on rural roads in the Lune Valley have been praised by the area’s top police officer.

Ch Supt Tim Jacques presented certificates of appreciation to members of various outside agencies who helped local police officer PC Keith Collins.

Rural roads in the Lune Valley area were highlighted as the third worst in the UK for collisions, with farm vehicles working a patchwork of fields over 5,000 acres.

The high rainfall, limited forward visibility and mud on the roads were major contributors to the high collision rates.

A specially adapted road-cleaning trailer, safety awareness days, field access management and publicity have resulted in a 100 per cent drop in serious collisions and only one reported slight injury collision.

Certificates were presented to representatives from the National Farmers Union, Lancashire County Council, Major Agricultural Equipment, North West Farm Auctions and Fawcetts Agricultural Contractors.

Handing out the awards Ch Supt Jacques said: “This has been a wonderful example of police and partners coming together to produce a scheme which helps the community.

“This scheme was unique and vitally important as it could well save a life."