AN INCREASE in the number of people killed or seriously injured on the district’s roads has led to the launch of a road safety campaign for Uttlesford residents.

The district’s Community Safety Partnership has organised a series of speed watch events to encourage motorists to watch their speed and learn the consequences of not doing so.

It comes after the number of people either killed or seriously injured on Uttlesford’s roads rose from none to eight in the last year.

On March 19 and 20, members of the partnership, including representatives from the police, county council and district council, will be outside a number of schools in the district.

Uttlesford District Council’s community safety officer Martin Ford used a grant from Essex County Council to organise the events across the district.

He said: “Road safety officers have visited these schools to speak to pupils about safety so that they can all take part in the campaign. In addition, a number of community speed watch groups will be carrying out speed watch events in their own areas at the same time.

“I am therefore hoping that motorists in the district will reduce their speed accordingly. For those that don’t, police officers will be on hand to advise, assist and if necessary enforce traffic legislation. Speeding motorists could also be spoken to by the school pupils and have to explain their actions to them.”

Following public consultation, road safety has been highlighted as a priority by the partnership and has led to the purchase of speed guns and other safety equipment, which will still be used after the events.

“Any resident or parish that may be concerned about speeding in their area could be trained by Essex Police to use the guns so they can then set up their own community speed watch group,” Mr Ford added.

For more information about the campaign or details on how to set up a speed watch group, call Mr Ford on 01799 510555.