Setting the pace

ln Grand Prix racing, safety vehicles (pace cars) are used to restrain drivers whilst crash debris is removed from the track. This led to the formation of the NorthEast Lincolnshire pace car initiative to control speed around Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Immingham, UK. Over 900 volunteers filled in an application form, received a sticker to display in their cars and then vowed to stick to the speed limit whenever they drove their car. There were some criticisms aimed at the council over their use of pace cars. One was that the council had no right to force people to drive at certain speeds. A number of pace cars were seen exceeding the speed limit. These were contacted and asked to reassess their commitment to the scheme. The second phase of the scheme is being implemented with the introduction of pace car zones. The pace cars and pace car zones are part of a 5-year speed-reduction campaign that includes speed-activated signs and safety cameras.