Road safety awareness week for villages

Police officers and PCSOs from the Battle Neighbourhood Policing Team will be working in conjunction with East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, schools and the community to raise awareness of road safety in and around Sedlescombe, Bodiam and Staplecross.

Police officers will carry out checks to identify drivers exceeding the speed limit, using mobile phones and failing to wear seatbelts.

During the week there will be educational events led by the fire service to raise awareness of the dangers these offences pose to both motorists and pedestrians.

The three primary schools are being encouraged to develop projects to improve safety in the vicinity of the school, with a particular focus on parking at school drop off and pick up times.

Village shops and pubs are displaying posters and leaflets to promote safer driving and residents will receive leaflets to promote Operation Crackdown, Sussex Police’s online reporting system to deal with antisocial driving.

The week has been organised by Police Community Support Officer Demetrius Georghiou.

PCSO Georghiou said: “Since becoming the PCSO for this community I have been aware that the speed of vehicles travelling through and the parking of vehicles within the villages has been a real concern for local people.

“We have carried out a number of speed checks in the last year which have clearly indicated that the locals concerns are valid.

“To this end we have decided to raise awareness to all road users the dangers that their actions can potentially create.”