Last November, newly elected Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) took on the role of setting local policing priorities in the 41 police authorities in England and Wales. As part of this, each PCC is producing a 5 year police and crime plan, setting out what each PCC thinks should be the priorities for policing and police budgets in each area, and asking for the views of local people.
During November Sustrans called on PCC candidates to make safer streets a priority in their manifestoes, including supporting the introduction of 20mph limits and strengthening enforcement of speed and traffic offences. We’re now asking the newly-elected PCCs to match their promises with action to make our streets safer for walking, cycling and play.
The police have a key role to play in making our streets safer places to live on, and travel through. The speed, volume and behaviour of road traffic which is the most common concern for communities across England and Wales, and the biggest cause of violent and preventable death and injury. Giving greater priority and resources to tackling traffic speeds and driver behaviour would make our streets and communities far safer, with enormous benefits for both the police and the people they serve.
Sustrans is asking PCCs to make safer streets a priority by:
- making safer streets a priority in local crime and policing plans
- strengthening enforcement of existing traffic laws
- increasing police cycle patrols and teams
- developing local road danger reduction partnerships
- championing and enforcing 20mph speed limits.
If you want safer streets, you can respond to your local plan using the evidence and key points in our manifesto for safer communities. The timescale, process and deadlines for responses vary, but you can find out about your local PCC and policing plan here: http://www.apccs.police.uk/.