The influence of local politicians on pedestrian safety.
OBJECTIVE
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).


CONCLUSIONS
These results support the hypothesis that senior local politicians are effective advocates for enhancing safety in their areas.
Lyons
R A
RA
The School of Medicine, University of Wales, Swansea, UK. r.a.lyons@swansea.ac.uk
Jones
S J
SJ
Newcombe
R G
RG
Palmer
S R
SR
D000056:Accident Prevention / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002958:City Planning / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004779:Environment Design / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D011057:Politics; D017751:Safety Management; D006113:United Kingdom; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*