News

Maidstone launches Kent’s newest safety campaign

A new safety campaign was launched in Maidstone on the 9^th March to help reduce the high numbers of young people hurt on the town’s roads. Kent Highway Services has launched ‘Ghostlids’, a new real-life safety campaign targeting young motorcyclists aged 16- 19 years old.

The town was chosen to launch the campaign as it has the joint highest number of 16-19 year olds hurt in motorcycle crashes in Kent, plus some of the county’s busiest roads. Eighteen young people have been killed or seriously injured in and around Maidstone while riding on mopeds or motorcycles up to 125cc in the past five years alone.

The new campaign shows real-life stories of young people from Kent who have been involved in motorcycle crashes, making the issue relevant to young motorcyclists. Kent Highway Services is erecting ‘Ghostlids’ posters around the key crash sites in Maidstone featuring a haunting image of a white motorcycle helmet, representing the young lives that have been affected in each area. 

A website, www.ghostlids.co.uk, has also been created to give more detailed information on the real-life case studies, plus tips for young people on how to stay safe when riding a motorcycle.

Tom Morton, Motorcyclist Road Safety Officer, Kent Highway Services, comments: “It’s vital that young motorcyclists in Maidstone think about the simple steps they can take to help save their lives and reduce the impact of crashes. For instance, if more young people wore protective motorcycle clothing, the impact of having a crash could be considerably reduced. This new campaign is all about showing to young motorcyclists the dramatic affect crashes have and how to help ensure they minimise the risk to themselves.”

The campaign is still actively looking for case studies of young people who have been involved or affected by a motorcycle crash in Kent, if you would be happy to support Ghostlids and share your story (can be anonymous), please contact Tom Morton, Motorcyclist Road Safety Officer, Kent Highway Services, email: tom.morton@kent.gov.uk or phone/text: 07740 185361.