16 Sep 2021
On Thursday, 16 September, Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn welcomed the Project Edward vehicle to the Dyfed-Powys force area as part of its week-long tour around the UK to raise awareness of road safety.
The visit formed part of a specific community engagement day PCC Dafydd Llywelyn had organised on road safety, where several meetings and activities were arranged in Carmarthenshire with partners including the local authority, GoSafe, Dyfed-Powys Police and Project Edward.
Project Edward, which is an acronym for Every Day Without A Road Death, is an annual UK-wide road safety campaign backed by government, the emergency services, highways agencies, road safety organisations and British businesses. The theme for 2021’s week long campaign between 13th of September and 17th of September was ‘Fit for the Road’, and organisers were encouraging people to sign the Project Edward pledge, to confirm their willingness to play a part in ensuring road safety.
PCC Dafydd Llywelyn said; “Road safety is such an important issue, and one we can all play our part in by reflecting on the risks we face and the risks we pose to others. Many of these risks can be minimised or removed altogether if we ensure we are in good shape when we get behind the wheel, and that we pay attention to the vehicles we use and their condition.
“Our roads have been increasingly busy over the summer months since lockdown measures have eased. Now with more people returning to work, schools and colleges open for the new term, traffic levels are high, and we are very fortunate to have a proactive Roads Policing Unit here in Dyfed-Powys, who work tirelessly to ensure safe environments on the roads of Dyfed-Powys.
“It was a pleasure to welcome the Project Edward vehicle to Pont Abraham Service station this year, and to other partners, including GoSafe, Carmarthenshire County Council and the emergency services, for supporting the planned activities for my Community Engagement Day”.
As well as welcoming Project Edward to the Force area during his Community Engagement Day, PCC Dafydd Llywelyn met with Lee Waters MS, who is the Deputy Minister for Climate Change, local councillors and Community Speed Watch volunteers in Dafen, Llanelli, one of the eight residential areas that are trialling the proposed new Welsh Government’s plan to introduce 20mph in all residential areas from 2023 onwards.
The PCC also participated in Carmarthenshire County Council’s Megadrive workshops at Ysgol y Strade, to promote road safety amongst new drivers, before visiting Dyfed-Powys’ Roads Policing Unit at Cross Hands. The day will conclude with the Project Edward event at Pont Abraham Services.
GoSafe Partnership Manager, Teresa Ciano said; “GoSafe work tirelessly throughout the year to reduce road deaths. Project EDWARD week is a key week for road safety, as partners and colleagues from across Wales and the UK work together to promote the part we all have to play to make our roads safer for everyone.
“GoSafe were pleased to be in attendance with the Police & Crime Commissioner as he raises awareness of Road Safety in our communities and Project EDWARD, and are grateful for his continued support in raising awareness of road safety throughout the year.
“Our activities throughout the week contribute to our ambition to see a future where every day is a day without a road death.”
ENDS
More information;
Gruff Ifan
Policy and Engagement Advisor