Category: Road safety

Commissioner draws up plans for police priorities as roadshow attended by hundreds draws to a close

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Hundreds of Surrey residents have had their say on the issues that affect them most as the Policing Your Community roadshow returned during the autumn and winter.

The events, which took place in each of the county’s 11 boroughs, as well as online, gave audiences the opportunity to share their thoughts about crime and policing where they live.

The series kicked off in Guildford borough in late September, and concluded with an online meeting on January 13. Around 100 people attended the virtual event, where questions ranging from CCTV use in Guildford and Cobham to delays to court cases were asked.

During the meetings, hosted by Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend, Surrey Police Chief Constable Tim De Meyer, and each of the Borough Commanders, a number of common concerns emerged.

These include anti-social behaviour, burglary, police visibility and shoplifting.

Hundreds have their say

The Commissioner will shortly launch her Police and Crime Plan, created with the input of residents, community groups, businesses and victims’ services across Surrey.

The Plan, which provides a blueprint for policing priorities in the county until 2028, will reflect the concerns raised by communities.

Lisa is also currently asking residents what they’d be prepared to pay to support policing in Surrey. You can have your say HERE.

Surrey Police is dedicated to tackling crime. In the past 12 months, the force has more than doubled its charge rate, with an additional 3,500 offences prosecuted.

An additional 2,500 arrests have been made, and both burglary and assault with injury charges have increased by 90 per cent, while shoplifting offences have increased four-fold, with 876 more offences charged across the country.

Charges more than double

Meanwhile, charge rates for offences related to violence against women and girls, rape and child abuse have doubled.

Funding secured by the Commissioner is being used across the county to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime hotspots in 10 of the 11 boroughs.

The Commissioner said: “The most crucial part of my role is to represent the voices of Surrey’s residents when it comes to policing.

“The Policing Your Community events allowed both myself and the Chief Constable to hear what people are most concerned about where they live, and to answer any questions they may have.

‘Taking the fight to criminals’

“My upcoming Police and Crime Plan, which sets the priorities for police in Surrey, will reflect some of the issues we have heard during the roadshow.

“The Chief’s own plan, which is designed to take the fight to criminals by relentlessly pursuing the most prolific offenders, tackling pockets of lawlessness, and driving drug dealers and shoplifting gangs out of the county, is working.

“Surrey Police is one of the fastest-improving forces in the country, and our officers and staff are more determined than ever to make this county a hostile place for criminality.

“In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more about my plans for the coming years, and I’ll be highlighting some of the fantastic work that goes on day in, day out by our hard-working teams.”

Commissioner says drink- and drug-driving is “never, ever worth the risk” as national campaign begins

Posted on | by Alex Winter

Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has warned there is “never, ever” an excuse for drink- or drug-driving as a national campaign begins.

There will be increased drug tests, breath tests, stop checks and patrols on Surrey’s roads throughout December as part of Operation Limit, the nationwide campaign to tackle intoxicated driving.

There has been a rise in the number of drug-drivers arrested across Surrey, leading to a renewed focus from the Force.

During last year’s campaign, there were 199 arrests for drink or drug driving in the county.

Being over the limit can have fatal consequences, with drink and drug driving one of the main causes of death or serious injuries on our roads.

Campaign begins

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “Every time a driver gets behind the wheel, they are committing themselves to a huge responsibility.

“They are not only responsible for themselves, but for their passengers and everyone else they encounter on their journey.

“That’s why it’s so appalling for motorists to drink or take drugs before driving. It’s a dangerous and selfish act that can forever change a life, and I cannot overstate how important it is to remain sober, patient, and attentive at the wheel.

“There is no excuse whatsoever for this behaviour, and it is never, ever worth the risk.”

“Appalling”

Superintendent Rachel Glenton, head of Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said: “Our officers will be joined by officers from across the force to carry out increased patrols and stop checks on the road networks.

“This is in addition to our existing patrols which we carry out 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

“Through education, engagement, and enforcement, we aim to reduce the devastating impact of drink and drug-driving.

“We will deal robustly with offenders. So, while our officers can’t be everywhere, they could be anywhere and there really is no excuse for drivers who put their own safety and the safety of everyone else at risk.”

Risks

The consequences of drink or drug driving include:

  • Killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else
  • A minimum 12-month ban
  • An unlimited fine
  • A possible prison sentence
  • A criminal record, which could affect your current and future employment
  • An increase in your car insurance costs
  • Difficulty travelling to countries such as the USA

If you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

The campaign is being supported by Surrey RoadSafe.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend with members of the Surrey Police vanguard road safety team

“Reckless drivers are warned: the Vanguard Road Safety Team can’t be everywhere, but they could be anywhere”

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has celebrated the anniversary of a team of officers who are dedicated to saving lives on the county’s roads.

Lisa Townsend visited the Vanguard Road Safety Team at their HQ near Guildford to mark a year of successes.

Vanguard officers specifically target motorists who commit ‘Fatal 5’ offences of inappropriate speed, not wearing a seat belt, driving under the influence of drink or drugs, distracted driving and careless driving.

Between 2020 and 2022, 33 per cent of all serious injury and fatal collisions on Surrey’s roads involved speed, and 24 per cent involved careless driving.

In just 12 months, the Vanguard team made 930 interventions to prevent Fatal 5 offences, arrested 204 people, and seized 283 vehicles.

Fatal 5

They were also the best-performing team in the South East during Operation Tramline, a national initiative which involves the deployment of a Highways England heavy goods vehicle to spot drivers committing offences on major roads.

The Commissioner said: “Fatal 5 offences are crucially important issues to tackle.

“But Vanguard’s officers don’t just focus on enforcement. Their aim is to change drivers’ behaviour, now and into the future, so the roads are safer for all who use them.

“Anyone who lives in Surrey will be well aware of how busy our roads are.

“Our motorways are some of the most highly-used in the country, which is why road safety is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan, and why I’ve taken on a role as the national lead for transport safety for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners.

‘It ruins lives’

“Distracted and dangerous driving ruins lives, and behind every victim is a family, friends and a community.

“And for drivers out there now committing Fatal 5 offences, be warned – our officers can’t be everywhere, but they could be anywhere.”

Sergeant Dan Pascoe of the Vanguard Road Safety Team said: “We know that statistically, most serious injury and fatal collisions result from the commission of the Fatal 5.

“It’s so important to deal with these offences so the roads are safer for everyone.”

Commissioner Lisa Townsend with members of the Vanguard Road Safety Team

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend with road safety officers

Speeding linked to a third of all serious and fatal crashes in Surrey – with half of all tragic collisions taking place on 30mph urban roads

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SPEEDING and careless driving are responsible for more than half of all serious injury and fatal collisions on Surrey’s roads, the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner has warned.

Lisa Townsend, who is this week marking charity Brake’s Road Safety Week, said most serious collisions happen in urban areas during mid-afternoon – as children leave school for the day.

Figures from Surrey RoadSafe, a partnership working to reduce the number of people killed and injured on the roads, reveal that more than three-quarters of all serious crashes take place in an urban setting.

Speeding is linked to 33 per cent of all crashes, with careless driving responsible for 24 per cent of crashes.

Speeding linked to a third of tragic crashes

The majority of all serious crashes – 50 per cent – take place within a 30mph speed limit. The most likely time for a collision is between 3pm and 5.59pm, with 22 per cent of all serious incidents taking place in the timeframe.

In total, 2,030 people were killed or seriously injured in collisions in Surrey between 2020 and 2022.

More than a quarter of casualties were drivers, 22 per cent were cyclists, and 19 per cent were on powered two-wheelers, including motorcycles and mopeds. More than one in 10 of the total casualties was a pedestrian.

Lisa, who leads on transport safety nationally for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said there is “no excuse good enough” for driving recklessly on the county’s roads.

‘Take driving seriously’

“These figures should give every single driver pause,” she said.

“It is absolutely horrifying that a majority of serious or fatal crashes in Surrey take place during daylight hours in our towns, and that speeding is behind a third of these collisions.

“I want to reiterate yet again that driving is a responsibility. It is the most dangerous activity most people will carry out as part of their day-to-day lives, and it should be treated with the seriousness that it deserves.

“Every serious or fatal crash will change the lives of a family, a friendship group and a community.

“The impact is impossible to quantify.

“People die through impatience”

“We are very lucky here in Surrey to have two fantastic teams dedicated to educating road users and enforcing driving laws – the Vanguard Road Safety Team and the Roads Policing Unit.

“But each driver bears the weight of driving responsibly and safely in order to keep themselves and others safe.

“Many crashes are completely avoidable, but people are dying on our roads through impatience and carelessness.

“Making our roads safe is a top priority in my Police and Crime Plan, and I am dedicated to this aim.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend next to police van

“It wasn’t me – my one-night stand borrowed the car”: Commissioner shares worst-ever excuses for speeding as she marks Surrey Police campaign

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has shared some of the worst excuses ever given to officers by speeding drivers as a county-wide roads campaign begins.

Lisa Townsend, who also serves as the national lead for road safety and transport for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, is urging drivers to slow down during Surrey Police’s Vulnerable Road Users Campaign.

It comes as new Department for Transport data reveals that in 2022, 50 per cent of car drivers across the UK routinely exceeded the limit on 30mph roads.

The Vulnerable Road Users Campaign, which began on September 11, calls for all road users to be mindful of those who may be at higher risk when travelling, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

Campaign begins

Between 2012 and 2021 in Surrey, 76 pedestrians, 26 cyclists and 57 motorcyclists died on the roads, while 928 pedestrians, 1,323 cyclists and 1,469 motorcyclists were seriously hurt.

Nationally, half of all road fatalities in 2022 were vulnerable road users.

Lisa has warned that there’s “no excuse” for exceeding the limit as officers from Surrey Police’s Vanguard Road Safety Team told of the worst explanations speeding drivers have given.

One driver caught motoring at more than 100 miles per hour on the M23 told officers they feared the second-hand car they were on the way to buy would be sold by the time they arrived.

Another revealed they’d put their foot down because they were running late for court.

‘No excuse’

Motorists who receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution after activating speed cameras often claim they were speeding in order to avoid a collision, while others say they thought they were being “followed” – despite making no reports to police at the time.

Others had more unusual excuses.

One speeding driver said they and their passengers had drunk a lot of water and needed to get to the toilet, while another motorist caught by a camera had a claimed they couldn’t identify the real driver because they’d allowed a one-night stand to borrow the vehicle.

And a driver caught on red light camera said a sneeze was responsible for their failure to stop.

One-night stand explanation

Lisa said: “Our fantastic roads policing officers have heard every excuse there is for careless, distracted and dangerous driving.

“But as the Vulnerable Road User Campaign gets underway, I want to reiterate that there simply is no excuse.

“For most of us, driving is the most dangerous thing we’ll do day-to-day. As an activity, it is likely to have the highest potential to cause harm to ourselves and others.

“There are simple measures every road user can take to avoid crashes, including cutting speed, putting mobile phones away in the glove box, being completely sober at the wheel and giving their complete attention to the task of driving.

The Commissioner is pictured with Surrey Police’s Vanguard Road Safety Team

“Many crashes are entirely avoidable, but people are dying on our roads as the result of bad driving, reckless decisions and even the most momentary lapses in concentration.

“Stopping any more deaths is a top priority in my Police and Crime Plan, and I am dedicated to making roads safer for all users.”

Sergeant Dan Pascoe of the Vanguard Road Safety Team said: “Between 2020 and 2022, speeding contributed to 33 per cent of collisions where people were killed and seriously injured on our roads.

“This is why it is classed as one of the Fatal 5 offences that my team and I work endlessly to reduce.

“There really is no excuse for putting lives or your licence at risk. Remember, we can’t be everywhere, but we could be anywhere.”

protester hanging Just Stop Oil sign over motorway gantry

“Most people are utterly fed up of it”: Commissioner backs new law to stop slow-moving protests

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has backed new police powers to stop slow-moving protests – as she warned: “Most members of the public are utterly fed up.”

Lisa Townsend said it’s “absolutely right” that forces around the country will be able to intervene immediately when activists bring traffic to a standstill.

The new law, which was green-lit by the government after a spate of protests, specifically relates to slow walking demonstrations.

It will allow police to use a wider definition of what may count as a “serious disruption to the life of the community”.

‘Most people are utterly fed up’

In Surrey, Just Stop Oil has staged a series of protests on the M25, which peaked last year. During each, activists scaled gantries in various locations around the motorway in a bid to halt traffic, ran out into traffic, and in one incident, smashed pumps and glued themselves to lorries and forecourt signs at the Cobham and Clacket Lane services.

Tougher penalties for those who interfere with public infrastructure – such as ‘locking on’ to gantries – were introduced two years ago, and earlier this month, 47 activists who caused chaos on the Surrey stretch of the M25 in September 2021 were convicted of various offences, including wilful obstruction of a highway and criminal damage.

Earlier this month, activists from a separate protest group, Animal Rising, attempted to disrupt the Epsom Derby Festival. In total, 31 arrests were made over the course of the day, with 19 people detained in an early-hours raid before the gates to the Derby opened.

Protest powers

Lisa said: “It’s absolutely right that police will have more discretion where groups are determined to cause serious disruption to communities.

“Officers must have the power to use their discretion in the interests of maintaining public order and safety.

“Peaceful protest is crucial to a healthy democracy, and should be facilitated where it doesn’t infringe on the rights of others, but the co-ordinated criminality we have seen in recent years goes way beyond that.

“Let me be clear: the actions carried out by groups like Just Stop Oil and Animal Rising have frequently been reckless and dangerous, to the activists themselves, to the emergency services, and to members of the public.

‘Reckless and dangerous’

“Most members of the public are utterly fed up of the disruption such activities have caused as they try to go about their lives.

“The incidents we have seen in Surrey have drawn officers away from their duties and put a huge strain on the Force. Officers around the country have a duty to the public, but also to those who are protesting and putting themselves as well as others at physical risk.

“I have seen first-hand how hard police have been working and I fully support their efforts to combat this criminal activity.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend standing in front of police vans

“They should feel ashamed”: Commissioner blasts “appallingly selfish” drivers who snapped serious crash pics

Posted on | by Alex Winter

DRIVERS caught taking photos of a serious crash while behind the wheel will face consequences, Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has warned.

Lisa Townsend has told of her fury at the “appallingly selfish” motorists who were spotted by officers from the Roads Policing Unit snapping images of a collision earlier this month.

Officers captured images of a number of drivers with phones aloft on their body worn video cameras as they worked at the scene of a serious incident on the M25 on May 13.

A man was taken to hospital after his motorbike was involved in a collision with a blue Tesla in the anticlockwise carriageway of the motorway between junctions 9 and 8.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend outside office at the Surrey Police HQ

All of those caught taking photographs by the team will be issued with six points and a £200 fine.

Using a mobile phone, tablet or any other device that can send and receive data while driving or riding a motorbike is illegal, even if the device is offline. The law applies when motorists are stuck in traffic or stopped at a red light.

Exceptions are made when a driver needs to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop, when they’re safely parked, or if they’re making a contactless payment in a vehicle that isn’t moving, such as at a drive-through restaurant.

Hands-free devices can be used as long as they’re not held at any time.

Lisa, who has road safety at the heart of her Police and Crime Plan and recently announced that she is the new national lead for roads policing and transport for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said: “During this incident, our fantastic Roads Policing Unit were working at the scene of a crash that resulted in serious injury to a motorcyclist.

‘It puts lives at risk’

“Unbelievably, some drivers were passing in the opposite lane with their phones out so they could take photos and video of the collision.

“This is a crime, and it’s very well known that drivers cannot have their phones in their hands when they’re driving – it’s appallingly selfish behaviour that puts lives at risk.

“Quite apart from the danger they have caused, I cannot understand what motivates someone to film such distressing footage.

“These drivers would do well to remind themselves that a person has been badly hurt. Collisions are not an entertaining sideshow for TikTok, but real, traumatic incidents that can change lives forever.

“Every driver who did this should feel thoroughly ashamed of themselves.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend with members of the Surrey Police road safety team at an awareness raising stall

Commissioner visits driver safety roadshow – amid warnings that collisions are rising following lockdowns

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has joined a roadshow dedicated to reducing crash casualties – as she warned that collisions in the county are rising following lockdowns.

Lisa Townsend visited a college in Epsom on Tuesday morning to mark Project EDWARD (Every Day Without a Road Death).

Project EDWARD is the UK’s biggest platform showcasing best practice in road safety. Working alongside partners in the emergency services, members of the team have hosted a tour around the south for its week of action, which ends today.


During two busy events at Nescot and Brooklands colleges in Surrey, police officers from the casualty reduction team and roads policing unit, firefighters, the Surrey RoadSafe team and representatives from Kwik Fit engaged with young people about the importance of keeping their vehicles and themselves safe on the roads.

Students were given advice on vehicle maintenance, with demonstrations about tyre and engine safety.

Police officers also used goggles mimicking impairment to show the impact drink and drugs have on cognition, and attendees were invited to participate in a virtual reality experience highlighting the impact that distraction behind the wheel can have.

Commissioner’s roads plea

Data on serious and fatal collisions in Surrey last year has not yet been fully verified. However, police have recorded more than 700 collisions that resulted in a serious injury during 2022 – an increase on 2021, when 646 people were badly hurt. During the first half of 2021, the country was in lockdown.

Road safety is a key priority in Lisa’s Police and Crime Plan, and her office funds a series of initiatives aimed at keeping younger drivers safe.

Lisa also recently announced that she is the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners’ new lead for road safety nationally. The role will encompass rail and maritime travel and road safety.

She said: “Surrey is home to the busiest stretch of motorway in Europe – and it’s one of the most dangerous carriageways as a direct result of the sheer number of drivers who travel on it every day.

Lisa joined casualty reduction officers from Surrey Police at a Project EDWARD roadshow on Tuesday

“But we also have huge diversity in the county when it comes to our roads. There are many rural stretches of highway, particularly in the south.

“What’s most important to remember is that any road is a risk if a motorist is distracted or driving dangerously, and this is a critically important issue for our two fantastic traffic teams, the Roads Policing Unit and Vanguard Road Safety Team.

“Due to their inexperience, young people are particularly at risk from crashes, and it’s absolutely key to provide sensible, clear education on driving as early as possible.

“That’s why I was so pleased to join the team at Project EDWARD and Surrey RoadSafe on Tuesday.

“Project EDWARD’s ultimate aim is to create a road traffic system that is completely free of death and serious injury.

“They promote the Safe System approach, which focuses on designing roads, vehicles and speeds that work together to reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes.

“I wish them every success in their campaign to keep motorists around the country safe.”

The Commissioner also signed Project EDWARD’s safe driving pledge

For more information, visit https://projectedward.org or https://facebook.com/surreyroadsafe

Commissioner Lisa Townsend outside of the Home Office

Commissioner’s warning of lives at risk as hundreds of drivers ignore motorway lane closure signals

Posted on | by Alex Winter

HUNDREDS of drivers ignore motorway lane closure signals during every traffic incident in Surrey – putting lives at risk, the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner has warned.

Lisa Townsend, who last week visited officials at the Department for Transport after taking on a major national role for transport safety, hit out at motorists who continue to drive in lanes marked with a red cross.

Crosses are clearly marked on smart motorway gantries when part of the carriageway is closed. Such a closure might take place if a car has broken down or a crash has been reported.

If a driver sees a red cross illuminated, they must carefully move into another lane.

Variable speed limits are often also disregarded by some drivers. Different limits are imposed based on a variety of factors, including heavy traffic, roadworks or an upcoming obstruction.

Lisa, who is the Association of Police and Crime Commissioner’s new lead for roads policing and transport, said: “Both the red cross sign and variable limits are absolutely essential when it comes to keeping drivers safe on motorways.

“Most drivers respect these signals, but there are some who choose to ignore them. By doing so, they put themselves and others at huge risk.

“Not only is it illegal to drive in this way, it’s very dangerous. If you’re caught speeding or driving in a closed lane by either our Roads Policing Unit or Vanguard Road Safety Team, or by an enforcement camera, the best you can expect is a fixed penalty notice of up to £100 and three points on your licence.

“The police also have the option to impose harsher penalties, and the driver could even be charged and taken to court.”

Dan Quin, lead for transportation at the National Fire Chiefs Council, said: “Red cross signals are there to indicate when a lane is closed.

“When used in the event of emergencies, they provide invaluable access to the scene of an incident, preventing time lost in negotiating the build-up of traffic. 

‘So dangerous’

“Red cross signals also provide safety for workers while on the road, including emergency services and the public, by reducing the risk of further collisions. 

“Ignoring Red cross signals is dangerous, it is an offence and all road users have a role to play in complying with them.” 

All police forces have been able to use enforcement cameras to prosecute drivers who illegally pass under a red cross sign since September last year.

Surrey Police was one of the first forces to prosecute drivers caught by cameras, and has been doing so since November 2019.

Since then, it has issued more than 9,400 notices of intended prosecution, and almost 5,000 drivers have attended safety awareness courses. Others have paid a fine or appeared in court.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson standing in front of a Surrey Police car

Commissioner takes on major national role for transport safety

Posted on | by Alex Winter

SURREY’S Commissioner has taken on a major national role for transport safety – as she vowed to pursue greater penalties for those who put lives at risk while behind the wheel, on a bicycle, or astride an e-scooter.

Lisa Townsend is now the Association of Police and Crime Commissioner’s lead for roads policing and transport, which will encompass rail and maritime travel and road safety.

As part of the role, previously held by Sussex Commissioner Katy Bourne, Lisa will work to improve the safety of transport around the country. She will be supported by her Deputy, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, and looks to work closely with the British Transport Police.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend and Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson standing in front of a Surrey Police car

Lisa said: “Keeping road users safe is already a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan. Surrey’s motorways are some of the most highly-used in Europe, and I am keenly aware of how important an issue this is to our residents.

“We are very lucky in Surrey to have two teams specifically dedicated to poor driving – the Roads Policing Unit and the Vanguard Road Safety Team, both of which aim to keep road users safe.

“But across the country, there is far more to be done on both roads and railways to keep British travellers safe.

“One of the most critical aspects of my remit will be dealing with distracted and dangerous driving, which is an appalling and unnecessary risk to take on any road.

“While most people are safe motorists, there are some who selfishly risk both their own lives and the lives of others. Members of the public have had enough of seeing those drivers flouting the laws created to protect them.

‘Appalling and unnecessary’

“There are many benefits to getting people out of their cars and onto bicycles instead, but not everyone feels safe using this mode of transport. Cyclists, as well as motorists, horse riders and pedestrians, have a responsibility to observe the Highway Code.

“In addition, e-scooters have become a blight in many communities around the country in recent years.

“According to recent Department for Transport data, collisions involving e-scooters in the UK almost tripled within just a year between 2020 and 2021.

“More must clearly be done to prevent harm to the public.”

Commissioner’s new role

Ellie said: “Pedestrians are the most vulnerable cohort to use Britain’s streets, and we are determined to do all we can to put an end to activities that threaten their safety.

“This remit will allow both Lisa and I to apply pressure to a range of issues, from a system that allows thousands of people to legally drive with more than 12 points on their licence, to the sex offenders who target their victims on London’s Tube network.

“Safe travel is important to every member of the public, and we are determined to make some real and lasting changes.”