An innovative joint road safety partnership for Gwynedd, Anglesey and the three emergency services has been officially launched at a road safety event at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor, Glynllfion.
The first agreement of its kind in Wales means that the Gwynedd-Môn Road Safety Partnership will see road safety teams from Gwynedd Council, the Isle of Anglesey County Council, North Wales Police, the Wales Ambulance Service and the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service working together to ensure safety on the roads in both counties.
Dermot O’Leary from the Wales Ambulance Service and Partnership Chairman said:
“The new road safety partnership for Anglesey and Gwynedd brings together the skills and experience of the emergency services and local authorities as a taskforce which aims to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads.
“All too often we witness the tragic consequences of collisions and their lasting effects on local communities, and by working together in a focused and intelligence led way, we can target vulnerable and high risk groups and drive home the message that safety on the road is no accident.”
The aim of the new partnership is to ensure that all partner agenencies work together to enusre a coordinated road safety message across Gwynedd and Anglesey.
As part of the event, the Gwynedd – Môn Road Safety Partnership’s new website – www.dffgwyneddmon.net – was also unveiled. The site will provide a range of advice, information and top tips about staying safe on the roads in both counties.
Councillor Stephen Chruchman, Gwynedd Council’s road safety champion said:
“The issue of road safety affects us all and collision statistics in Wales make for grim reading, particularly involving young drivers and passengers aged between 17 and 26.
“This is why I believe that tackling this issue is a priority for all partnership members and why it is particularly pleasing to see agencies coming together to share a common message.
“The work of the partnership is already on show through the new website. This resource is key to the success of the partnership and provides excellent facilities and information for people of all ages.”
Huw Percy, Chief Engineer from the Isle of Anglesey County Council noted:
“It is appropriate for the launch to be hosted at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor since it coincides with current initiatives to train young drivers and to urge youngsters to leave a car if they are worried about a driver going too fast, using a phone or taking drugs or alcohol.”
During the day, Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor students had the opportunity to talk and question road safety officers from all partner agencies, with various events and presentations also held with the aim of driving home the message of road safety amongst young drivers.
Megan Jones from Deiniolen who is a student at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor said:
“The new website is a good idea, it will provide a lot of information to help young drivers learn about road safety. Being part of the launch was a very good experience. I’m not a driver yet, but I’ve learned a lot about what I need to think about, and be aware of, when I’m behind a wheel. I think I’ve also learned how to be a more responsible passenger too, and to say something if I feel that the driver is being careless.”
Ben Hughes from Pwllheli is also a student at the college. He added:
“I’m not a driver yet, but I intend to use the new website to learn more and to prepare myself for when I do learn to drive. As part of the website launch we had the opportunity to hear about the emergency services officers experiences and to ask questions. I’m very glad to have had the opportunity to attend the event think it is very important for days like this be held so that young people are made aware of road safety. Having access to a website that has all the information will be useful. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to be part of the launch.”
