SafeCam campaign: Street lights mean 30

To kick off road safety in Suffolk in 2009, Suffolk SafeCam is again joining forces with other road safety partnerships across the Eastern region and re launching their Streetlights Mean 30 advertising campaign.

In Suffolk last year nearly 16,000 drivers were caught speeding in 30mph areas so the campaign aims to improve compliance, make the roads safer and cut the number of drivers caught speeding in 30 mph limits. The campaign launches this week across the county on bus back posters and will be supported by radio advertisements, car park tickets and outdoor poster sites throughout the region.

Councillor Guy McGregor, Suffolk County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Road Safety in Suffolk said, “Some motorists seem unaware that when they drive on a road with a regular system of streetlights, the speed limit is 30 mph unless there are signs indicating otherwise. Where there is a system of street lighting, 30 mph signs can only be present at the start of a 30 mph zone and highway rules do not permit further 30mph repeater signs to be erected”. He added, “There are several reasons why people exceed the speed limit in 30 mph zones. It may be a lapse in concentration, simply not realising what the speed limit is on a particular road or at worst an intentional disrespect for the law and road safety. If drivers find themselves in an area where they are unsure of the speed limit they should apply the very simple rule; street lights, but no speed signs means the limit is 30 and around schools it may even be 20mph!”

The Highway Code states that the speed limit in built up areas is 30mph. It continues by saying “The 30mph limit applies to all traffic on all roads in England and Wales with street lighting unless signs show otherwise.”

Michelle Finnerty said of the campaign, “We’re hoping that by re running this simple but effective message it will help to remind people that the presence of streetlights means that a 30 mph limit applies. When we ran the campaign previously, we received lots of positive feedback. The streetlights mean 30 rule is something that is learned as part of the Highway Code when drivers take their test, but for many, this was some time ago and a refresher message os needed. Better informed drivers and greater speed limit compliance will help to keep our roads safer. It’s important to remember that the survival rate of a child hit by a car travelling at 40mph is just 20% compared to 80% if hit at 30mph. This statistic shows why it ‘s crucially important for motorists to respect speed limits at all times.”