Safer travel information

1. Before you start your journey make sure you are rested and not under the influence of alcohol or drugs as this is dangerous and illegal.
2. Check the weather before your journey as driving in severe weather conditions can be difficult, read more about the Met Office's guide to driving safely.
3. Check over your vehicle to make sure it’s roadworthy. Basic vehicle checks include:
   • oil
   • lights
   • tyre pressure
   • tyre tread
   • screen wash
   • fuel

   Follow the link for a guide on how to complete safety checks on your vehicle. If you need a MOT, the council carries out MOT testing at the central depot in Luton.

4. Plan to take regular breaks

• When travelling in a car you must always wear a seatbelt to keep safe and it is the law. If caught by the police you could be fined or have to complete an online course
• Children under 12 years old or 135cm need to be in the correct child seat to keep them safe.
• It is illegal to hold a mobile phone and drive as it is a distraction and you need be to in control of your vehicle.

Are you between 16 and 30 years of age?

Are you 16-30 and thinking about learning to driving or a new driver?. We work in partnership with Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council to deliver a young driver course called MORE. MORE stands for Motivation, Observation, Reaction and Education which help us to provide structured advice to young people.

Are you a driver over 30?

Do you find yourself:

• braking sharply?
• creeping above the speed limit?
• driving too close to the car ahead?
• feeling anxious or intimated when driving?

If so you could benefit from advanced training. We support the work of advanced driver groups. Find out more information:

• IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists)
• RoSPA

Are you a driver who has a medical condition? Or over the age of 70?

• Declare any medical conditions that could affect your driving to the DVLA – this applies whatever age you are as the condition or medication you take could affect your driving.
• Make sure that you have renewed your driving licence if you are over 70
• Make sure your eyesight meets the ‘standards of vison for driving’

Luton pedestrians are the highest group at risk from injury on our roads, to keep safe always:

• remain alert when crossing the road
• look up from your phone to see what’s happening around you
• pause any music or your conversation to listen for traffic
• be seen – make sure traffic sees you by wearing something bright during the day and reflective at night
• choose a safer place to cross by using formal crossing

Formal crossings include:

• puffin crossing
• pelican crossings
• toucan crossing

These are all traffic light controlled. Luton also has pedestrian refuges and zebra crossings.

Different crossings suit different road layout and traffic flow. Find out more information on the rules for pedestrian crossing from the Highway Code.

FAQ

The Council receives many requests for new crossings. Each site is surveyed - using a national criteria, the main factors measured are the number of people crossing and the amount of traffic at the location. Other factors include the number of casualties on the road and if the site is near hospitals, schools or shops etc.

A list is drawn up in order of priority and the worst site for pedestrians is at the top of the list.

To request a new pedestrian crossing please email us at [email protected]

Cycling is a great way to keep fit and travel sustainably. To be a safer cyclist always make sure that:

• you are always seen by other road users - wear something bright during the day and reflective at night
• have working front and rear lights
• wear a helmet
• regularly maintain your bike to keep it road worthy
• take training

There are more rules for cyclists to follow, they can found on the on the Highway Code website.