Peterborough crime commissioner gives funding to road incident victims

Mr Bisby has provided additional funding to the Road Victims’ Trust to help the charity continue to provide vital support services during Covid-19.

The Trust, which offers free emotional and practical support to the families of those killed or seriously injured in road collisions in Cambridgeshire, has adapted the way it provides its services by offering online and telephone counselling services throughout the lockdown for those who need them.

The funding, worth £10k comes from the Acting Commissioner’s Casualty Reduction and Support Reserve.

Mark Turner, chief executive of the charity, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic presents a very real threat to the on-going sustainability of small charities such as ours with our ability to fundraise hampered by the restrictions.

“Despite the fact that the lockdown meant far less traffic on the road, we have received referrals which have remained consistent with the same period last year.”

Over the first six months of 2020 (1st January until 1st July) 12 people were killed on Cambridgeshire’s roads (compared to 15 from the same period in 2019); 148 seriously injured (180 in 2019) and 350 slightly injured (compared with 619 in 2019).

Mark added: “We hugely appreciate the Acting Commissioner’s support at this challenging time. The money will strengthen the already excellent partnership that exists with the police and ensures that those affected by the trauma of a road death or life-changing injury are provided with the best possible levels of care and support.”

Mr Bisby said: “Even something as challenging as a national lockdown will not stop some people driving recklessly on our roads.

“For those who lose loved ones, or watch family and friends endure life threatening injuries as a result of a road traffic collision, the support provided by the Trust is vital in helping people cope and recover.

“I have been hugely impressed to see the way in which local organisations have adapted their services in order to continue to support people whilst maintaining social distancing and hope this money will enable the Trust to continue to help those who need this support.”

More information about the Road Victims Trust can be found here and a full list of other local support services is available on the Cambridgeshire Victim Services website here: www.cambsvictimservices.co.uk.