South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings is supporting the Slow Down Save Lives campaign that is putting the spotlight on dangerous and inappropriate speeds.

The three-week National Police Chief Council’s campaign launches today (Monday 19 July) and aims to remind people of the risks and consequences of speeding and encourage them to slow down, stick to the limit and travel to the conditions of the road.

South Yorkshire Police and the Safer Roads Partnership have joined forces to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding by on digital billboards across the county supported by increased enforcement action and social media messaging.

Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Over the last 12 months issues of road safety and speeding began to dominate conversations I have had with town and parish councils. An increasing number of residents have told me that speeding on our roads and through our villages is one of their biggest concerns. That is why I am supporting this campaign and will be highlighting in my new Police and Crime Plan the need for a partnership approach to share information and understand the work being undertaken to make our roads safer.

“With the easing of the lockdown restrictions we are likely to see traffic volumes return to pre-pandemic levels. Increased traffic, along with better weather and lighter evenings, provide concerning factors for a significant increase in accidents and the potential for people to be seriously injured or even killed on our roads.

“I urge all drivers to think about their safety and the safety of other road users by driving within the speed limits and helping to make our roads safer.”

Nationally, excess speed is a contributory factor in one in three fatal road collisions.

Latest figures show that 2,644 people were injured in a road traffic collision in South Yorkshire in 2020. Sadly, 30 people lost their lives and more than 500 people were seriously injured.

Studies by national charity Brake show that lowering your speed by just 1mph, reduces your chances of being involved in a collision by five per cent.

The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and 3 penalty points added to your licence.