A NEW safety campaign is bidding to cut the number of accidents on Forest roads.

The Forest of Dean Road Safety Liaison group’s “I care, do you? This is not an empty road” campaign is aimed making drivers more aware of the particular hazards on local routes.

Gloucestershire county councillor Brian Robinson (Mitcheldean, Con), said: “This campaign is aimed at changing driver behaviour and recognising the risks in the Forest, such as unfenced, narrow and winding roads, wildlife such as deer and boar on the highway, cyclists and walkers and farm vehicles.

“Our local roads are often narrow and unfenced with hidden entrances. Few have footpaths alongside so everyone uses the same road space.

“Motorists can come across farm vehicles, cyclists, walkers, horse riders or wild animals unexpectedly. Visibility can be reduced by rain, fog, darkness or even strong sunlight against shadows formed by trees and hedges.

“So we’re trying to raise the profile among the driving community to drive more considerately and to recognise that there are a lot of other road users in the Forest. It’s not an empty road you can just speed along.”

“We want drivers to take extra care to ensure all other road users can be safe and feel safe while using our roads. We will be sharing information about some of the hazards arising from using our local roads and will be sharing tips from local road users.

“You can use our campaign to publicise your particular safety concern, which might be associated with horse riding, cycling, walking or relate to a particular hazard.

“Send us your photographs and stories to help raise awareness of how our roads are used daily so we can encourage everyone to consider the other road users as they travel.”

The campaign, which had a stand outside Lydney Co-op on Monday (October 30), is giving out car stickers and key fobs.

“We’re also raising the issue with the local tourism industry to get the message out that this is a special place where people need to drive with a bit more care to keep everyone safe,” added Cllr Robinson.

“The campaign is supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner and by all the local parish and community councils and we’re having a big push between now and Christmas. The Forest is reasonably safe but we want to keep it that way.”

Martin Green, of Glou­cestershire’s Road Safety partnership, who is also secretary of Royal Dean Forest Cycling Club, said: “Anything that increases the awareness of cyclists on our roads and attitudes to cycling is beneficial, because we can’t have a conversation with every single motorist.”