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Police Commissioner asks for
public's support to make region's roads safer
MERSEYSIDE'S Police Commissioner is
asking local people and other agencies for their support in making the region's
road safer.
Jane Kennedy has launched a regionwide consultation asking people for their
views on her existing policing priorities for Merseyside and is specifically
asking whether they back her proposal to make 'improving road safety'
a
new priority for the region.
Since 2010, Merseyside has witnessed a sharp increase in the number of people
killed or seriously injured on the roads. In 2015, more than 11 people died or
were seriously hurt every week on Merseyside's roads. The region also saw more
pedestrians killed or seriously hurt than anywhere else in the country.
The consultation is at the heart of the Commissioner's work to produce a new
Police and Crime Plan. Jane is required by law to produce a Plan, which shapes
and informs the way policing and community safety is delivered in the county.
The Plan sets out the clear priorities on which the Commissioner and her
partners will focus their work and the ways in which Merseyside Police will use
its resources to deliver excellent policing for the communities of Merseyside.
Jane's current plan was created in September 2015 and runs until March 2017,
when she will release a new report which will cover until March 2021. Her
existing priorities are to:-
► Prevent crime and anti social behaviour.
► Provide a visible and accessible neighbourhood policing style.
► Tackle serious and organised crime.
► Support victims, protect vulnerable people and maintain public safety.
Now the Commissioner is asking local people if these are still the right
priorities for the region or if there are any other emerging issues that they
feel should be addressed. She is holding a 6-week public consultation which will
run until Monday 16 January 2017, with the aim of seeking the views of local
leaders, partners and members of the public on her existing priorities and
asking whether they believe improving road safety, or any other issue, should be
added as a 5th priority.
Jane said:- "Merseyside's Police and Crime Plan is a really important
document, so it's vital I take everyone's views into consideration before
changing it. I want to make sure it reflects the views and concerns of people
across the county.
My existing priorities were based on the consultation I did before and after
being elected in 2012 and the ongoing consultation which I carried out
continuously during my first term of office. This feedback provided the
foundations for the Police and Crime Plan for Merseyside. Now I have the mandate
from the public to serve a second term, I believe it's the right time to take a
fresh look at the Plan and make sure these priorities still echo the
expectations and wishes of local people.
I have become increasingly concerned about road safety in Merseyside. More
pedestrians die or are seriously hurt on the roads in our region than any other
part of the country.
Last year 585 people either lost their lives or suffered serious injuries on our
region's roads; that equates to more than 11 people every single week. Any
death or serious injury on our roads is one too many and 11 a week is simply
unacceptable. Each and every one brings suffering and misery to those who are
involved, their families and friends. Lives are broken and futures destroyed,
yet many of these collisions are avoidable.
I believe it is time that, in conjunction with all my community safety partners,
we concentrate on tackling this issue to prevent other people needlessly losing
their lives on our roads.
What I want is to hear the views of local people; is improving the safety of
roads a priority for you too?"
Jane is inviting people to have their say on her #MyPriority consultation via a
short online survey or by attending 1 of the 6 community roadshows that will
be held across the region. Details of these will be released shortly.
Members of the public are also invited to have their say via Twitter using the
hashtag #MyPriority and the Commissioner's twitter handle @MerseysidePCC.
Jane added:- "I would urge everyone to join the conversation and help to
finalise the priorities I'm setting for policing and community safety in
Merseyside."
A range of stakeholder engagement events will also be held to seek the views of
partners. The Police and Crime Plan is a living document which is continuously
reviewed to ensure it continues to accurately reflect local priorities. It can
be refreshed at any time.
People are asked to visit:-
MerseysidePCC.Info/My-Priority.aspx
to share their views by Monday January 16, 2017. Alternatively feedback can be
sent via email or sent to:- Office
of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside, Rose Lane, Allerton, L18
6JE. |
