The West of Scotland Road Safety Forum, which is a dynamic and forward thinking body, exists to cut fatalities, serious and minor injuries on our roads.

While the forum welcomes the news that for the first time ever all local authorities in Scotland have returned a downward trend in annual fatality statistics, we cannot be complacent and we must continue to be pro-active in all aspects of road safety.

Part of this is the continued education of young drivers and the importance of enforcing the message that the speed limit portrayed is not the safest speed for the conditions on the day. The appropriate speed for the conditions is of course the safer option. There is a definite need to target young inexperienced drivers through advertising, seminars and meetings ‘on the ground’. It is also important to actively take the message to their cars, cruiser club meetings and to school before they even learn to drive. Indeed, I believe a seminar on safe driving should be a part of the curriculum in the final year at school.

It is an honour for East Ayrshire Council, and I as Convener, to host this important forum in 2008. It is the duty and responsibility of all of us to make our roads safer. Let’s work together to further reduce injuries and fatalities that are avoidable with the correct training, education and enforcement.

Councillor Jim Todd
East Ayrshire Council