SUPPORT is being sought for a major new campaign aimed at dramatically cutting the number of children killed or seriously injured on East Hampshire roads.
In a shocking report to East Hampshire District CouncilÕs central area community committee on Tuesday, members were told that last year 709 children were killed or seriously injured on Hampshire roads.
County council road safety manager Ernie Sage told the meeting that 329 of these were children travelling in cars and an incredible 60 per cent were not restrained or wearing seat belts at the time of the accident.
ÒIt is amazing that parents are prepared to drive around with their children not restrained or wearing seat belts,Ó said Mr Sage.
ÒIn Hampshire our single biggest problem is children aged from 0 to 16 travelling in cars without being belted up,Ó Mr Sage stressed.
ÒWe must look at this one area of the problem where we can achieve a dramatic reduction in the number of injuries.Ó
Strong enforcement by police officers will, it is hoped, reinforce the message. A campaign has also begun in primary and secondary schools throughout the district.
ÒFrom a survey recently carried out we have discovered that 18 to 20 per cent of primary school children are being driven to school without seat belts, but more than 30 per cent of secondary school children are not wearing them,Ó said Mr Sage. ÒThis is a serious problem and we certainly must get the message across to parents.Ó
He asked East Hampshire district councillors for their support in publicising the campaign.