HALF a million pounds has been earmarked to make roads across West Mercia’s three counties safer.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion has launched two rounds of grants, one pot consisting of £150,000 which will be assigned to Police Superintendents in each policing area of West Mercia to work with their teams and communities to identify local initiatives.
The public, local authorities, fire and rescue services, and those involved in voluntary organisations can apply for grant funding from the second pot of £350,000.
All of the road safety initiatives need to be innovative and go over and above what is already being provided by the police, fire and rescue and local authorities.
Bids can include things like road safety awareness campaigns, enhanced road safety initiatives, targeted road safety education, targeted road safety training, extending community speed watch areas, and the purchasing of equipment used to promote or facilitate road safety for the use of the public.
It all comes as part of PCC Campion’s pledge to reduce the number of those killed or seriously injured on West Mercia roads.
He said: “Too many people are losing their lives on our roads and it’s time more was done.
“Through new projects and initiatives, on top of what is already being done, I hope to raise more awareness of road safety and reduce the amount of those being killed or injured, as well as the number of those committed road traffic offences.
“These pots of money will allow more focus to be placed on something that is a priority, and concern, for everyone. I hope that people will be encouraged to apply for funding knowing that they could be making a real difference on the roads of West Mercia.”
The funding will run from November 2018 to March 31, 2020 and for more information visit www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk
