South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership is working with Lotus and Meadowhall to drive home the road safety message. On Saturday 29 January, South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership will be showing off the brand new Lotus Evora in the Meadhowhall shopping centre as they launch their latest road safety campaign, focusing on the importance of wearing a seatbelt and the illegal use of mobile phones while driving.

Officers from South Yorkshire Police’s Road Policing Group will be with staff from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Drive for Life campaign delivering the road safety message inside the centre and giving out leaflets.  There will also be a driving simulator, beer goggles and breath testing machine for shoppers to try out.

Head of road policing in South Yorkshire, Chief Inspector Stuart Walne said: “This campaign focuses upon young drivers, who are more inclined not to wear their seatbelt or be distracted through using mobile phones or other devices such as MP3 players.

“We don’t have any plans to use such cars to police the roads in South Yorkshire, however Lotus have kindly loaned the car to the South Yorkshire Police completely free of charge to help bring home the important messages about being safe and responsible behind the wheel.  I’m sure many people will want to see this stunning vehicle in full police livery and speak with the officers present.

“According to statistics you are twice as likely to die in a crash if your do not wear a seatbelt and research shows that you are four times more likely to crash if you use a mobile phone while driving. Our message is ‘Stay alive. Always wear your seatbelt, never use a mobile phone while driving.”