A campaign to highlight the dangers recovery operators face at the roadside is stepping up a gear after receiving “an underwhelming level of response” from MPs.
‘Slow Down Move Over’ (SDMO) was set up four years ago by recovery operator Paul Anstee in an effort to educate the public about what action is required in the event of their vehicle breaking down in order to keep themselves safe.
SDMO is also aimed at educating road users to be aware of temporary hazards and to raise awareness of those working at the roadside.
Anstee said the government’s insistence on building Smart motorways was increasing the risk to operators working at the roadside.
Read more
- Dynamic hard shoulder running on smart motorways to be phased out
- “Smart motorways need better refuge areas and clearer signage,” insists RHA
- Lawyers call for ban on Smart motorways after spate of fatal accidents
He said: “We have sent letters to relevant MPs suggesting the idea of educating road users through speed awareness courses, the highway code and driving lessons.
“However we have unfortunately had an underwhelming level of response to the idea.
“Despite this, we have been in contact with Highways England, who are now looking into the ways in which they can support the campaign.”
Anstee said he now wanted to raise the issue within the haulage and logistics industry and “encourage relevant training bodies and companies to endorse SDMO in appropriate courses and perhaps to see the inclusion of SDMO on websites and vehicle livery, therefore promoting the campaign further".
He added: “It is a sad fact that a significant number of these unfortunate instances until now have involved HGVs and we are therefore seeking support in combatting the problem and reducing accidents and deaths.”
