RALLY GOERS ASKED TO WATCH THEIR SPEEDS

Mid and South Wales Safety Camera Partnership is encouraging competitors and spectators at Wales Rally GB 2004 to comply with speed limits when travelling between stages to ensure that the event is as safe and successful as last year’s.

There was a 56 per cent drop in motorists recorded speeding during the 2003 event compared with 2002. The number of vehicles recorded travelling more than 20mph above the speed limit also decreased dramatically with an 80 per cent reduction.

The Partnership has been working closely with rally organisers to ensure that measures are in place to reduce the number of motorists breaking the speed limit even further this year. Traffic policing, speed and traffic light cameras will operate on routes between the rally stages for the safety of all road users. The Partnership will also be using speed display signs which advise motorists of their speed but do not enforce.

John Rowling, manager of the Safety Camera Partnership, which is responsible for static, red light and mobile camera enforcement in the Gwent, South Wales and Dyfed Powys police force areas, said: “We were extremely pleased with the results of last year’s rally. The numbers caught speeding dropped dramatically and there were no serious accidents or any of the excessive speeds that we’ve witnessed in previous years.

“We would really like to see a further improvement in driving standards this year with fewer speeding offences being recorded. Ideally, I’d like to see no-one caught during the event but this can only happen if all competitors, spectators and other motorists comply with speed limits. The rally is structured to ensure that there is plenty of time to travel between stages without the need to break speed limits.

“We want to make sure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time during Wales Rally GB 2004.”

Andrew Coe, Chief Executive, Rally GB Limited comments: “Last year saw a big reduction in speeding offences, and we would love to see zero offences at this year’s rally. We are urging all drivers, spectators and competitors alike to observe speed limits between the stages and show consideration to other road users.”

For useful road safety advice and routes where safety cameras operate, visit www.checkyourspeed.org.uk. This site can also be accessed via the Wales Rally GB website.

Advance bookings for Wales Rally GB tickets can be made by calling the telephone hotline 0870 060 1764 or via the Internet at www.walesrallygb.com.