RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

September 24, 1998
RoSPA BACKS CAMPAIGN FOR LIGHTER EVENINGS

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents today supported proposals for lighter evenings, following Lord Archer’s suggestions for England.

John Howard, RoSPA Director of Safety Policy, said: "We believe lighter evenings would be a positive move in terms of road safety. It is not our position to present the other arguments for or against.

"Extra evening daylight protects vulnerable road users like children, the elderly, pedal cyclists and motorcyclists by making them more visible to motorists.

"Statistics show there are more of the most vulnerable people around for longer periods in the early evening than in the morning. That’s why lighter evenings save lives overall, even if there are some extra accidents in the morning.

"Some studies have shown that more than 100 lives and 500 serious injuries could be saved if changes were made throughout the UK.

"Lord Archer’s proposals may be for England only, but we think they would bring positive benefits throughout the whole of the UK. We know there have been particular concerns in Scotland, although RoSPA believes it would be a major benefit for road safety there too.

"I hope that if each country has an opportunity to debate the local benefits, it will take politics out of the argument and that balanced decisions will be made to the benefit of society as a whole."