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Original Article
The influence of local politicians on pedestrian safety
  1. R A Lyons1,
  2. S J Jones2,
  3. R G Newcombe2,
  4. S R Palmer2
  1. 1The School of Medicine, University of Wales, Swansea, UK
  2. 2Department of Epidemiology, Statistics and Public Health, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, UK
  1. Correspondence to:
 Professor R Lyons
 The School of Medicine, University of Wales Swansea, Grove Building, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK; r.a.lyons{at}swansea.ac.uk

Abstract

Aim: To determine whether local politicians influence the distribution of traffic calming measures.

Methods: Longitudinal ecological study in two UK cities. Local political constituencies were categorized by representation by members of the cabinet structure as a marker of influence. The density of traffic calming features per political area, adjusted for the historical pattern of road injuries, was compared between cabinet represented and non-represented areas.

Results: Traffic calming density was significantly associated with cabinet representation status, adjusted for historical collision risk (risk ratio 2.77, 95% confidence interval 1.37 to 5.61).

Conclusion: These results support the hypothesis that senior local politicians are effective advocates for enhancing safety in their areas.

  • GPS, global positioning satellite
  • GIS, geographical information system
  • TCF, traffic calming feature
  • pedestrian
  • safety
  • politics
  • public advocacy

http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/ip.2006.011916

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    Footnotes

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    • Competing interests: none.