As the clocks go for forward this weekend the charity Brake is renewing its calls for government to make it 'Lighter Later' by putting the clocks forward by an hour year-round. This would mean fewer daylight hours 'wasted' in the early mornings when most people are asleep. The lighter evenings would mean reduced danger to pedestrians and cyclists in the dark afternoons and evenings through the winter months

The Lighter Later campaign has been gathering momentum over the past year, says the charity, with 26,300 people having written to their MP in support. In January, a Daylight Saving Bill, which would have compelled the government to review and act upon the evidence on the impact of changing the clocks, ran out of time, despite widespread support from MPs.

Brake is calling on more members of the public to sign up in support of the campaign at www.lighterlater.org to keep pressure on the government to act.

Julie Townsend, Brake deputy chief executive, said: "Brake is urging the government to put the clocks forward by an hour throughout the year, to make the evenings lighter and our communities safer, happier places. We waste too much precious daylight when most of us are asleep. Changing the clocks would mean it stays lighter later in the day, so we have more daylight when most people are awake.

"The effect would be safer roads in the afternoons and evenings, when many are walking and cycling home from school or work and need to be seen by drivers to prevent devastating road casualties. The change would also promote healthier lifestyles and stronger communities as it would encourage more people to get out and about on foot and bicycle."

Appeal for Bright Days
As the clocks go forward Brake and partner Autoglass® are also encouraging communities to help raise awareness about pedestrian and cyclist safety through running a Bright Day. The initiative promotes the importance of drivers looking out for people on foot and bicycle, and raises vital funds for Brake's work campaigning for safer roads and caring for families devastated by road death and injury. Schools, organisations and community groups can sign up at www.brake.org.uk/brightday. 

 

Posted March 23rd, 2012 at 0815 by Andrew. Comment by emailing: andrew.lynch@pavpub.com