Posted on Wednesday 24th November 2010
Launching the Cleaner, Safer Highway campaign are County Councillor Mike Maryon with Jon Cook, Staffordshire Advanced Riders.
A life-saving campaign highlighting the dangers faced by motorcyclists riding on rural roads has today been launched.
Mud, branches and other avoidable hazards left on the road are behind many biker accidents.
The Cleaner, Safer Highway campaign is the first of its kind and aims to cut the number of casualties among some of the most vulnerable motorists.
It is being backed by the National Farmers Union, Staffordshire Police and the county's eight district councils.
Staffordshire County Councillor Mike Maryon, Cabinet member for Highways and Road Safety, said: "As a motorcyclist I know from first-hand experience how dangerous mud on the road is. We are urging farmers, building contractors and anyone else to clear up the roads after them and providing free warning signs for them to put out until this can be done.
"Often motorists don't see the debris until it is too late and this can have serious or fatal consequences - particularly for vulnerable road users such as bikers.
"This campaign will give bikers advance warning that there is a potential hazard ahead so that they can react in a timely and safe manner. If it gets the support of farmers, people working in the construction industry and motorcyclists, it will save lives."
Sarah Faulkner, NFU environmental policy adviser, added: "Farmers and growers are responsible but at certain times of the year mud and debris will be left on the roads and this has to be cleared by law.
"The NFU fully supports this proactive council campaign to make a difference on the county's roads and we would urge Staffordshire farmers and growers to back it.
"Having new signs will help those in the industry warn motorists of the hazards and add to the work already being done by farmers to help lower collisions on the roads. We would also encourage motorists to be aware of potential hazards and to take continued care when driving in rural areas."
The county council currently receives around 60 calls relating to mud of the road every year.
It is hoped that the campaign will encourage more people to report debris, including mud, broken branches and diesel spillages, on the road so that it can be cleaned up as quickly as possible to avoid accidents happening.
The partners are calling on people, particularly those who work in the farming and construction industries, to sign up to the scheme which aims to keep the A and B roads free of debris and spillages.
Those who pledge their support to the campaign will be given two eye catching aluminium road signs featuring the words 'Bikers Beware! Hazard on the Road'.
The signs can be displayed while debris including mud, broken branches or oil are being cleaned up.
To order a sign call the road safety unit on 01785 276617.
County Councillor Mark Winnington, Cabinet member for Assets, Performance and Organisation, who is also a Stafford based farmer said: "I would urge farmers and people working in construction to sign up to this vital road safety campaign.
"In our line of work, it is inevitable that there will be some spillages and debris falling onto the carriageway but we can all do our bit to make the roads safer. By putting the signs up in a prominent position, we can pre warn motorists and help to avoid accidents while working is being carried out.
To report debris on the road or to request a road sign call 0300 111 8000.
Cleaner, Safer Highway leaflets will also be available at motorcycle safety awareness and agricultural events across the county as well as from the county and district councils and police stations.