WIREDGOV

An overwhelming majority of people want clock change - that’s according to a survey carried out by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

RoSPA’s online poll, which concluded recently, asked: “Would you like to see an extra hour of evening daylight all year round, across the UK?” The answer was emphatic, with 92 per cent of respondents saying “yes”.

The result was revealed on Twitter by the safety charity’s chief executive, Tom Mullarkey - who went on to conduct an hour-long Q&A session on the social media networking site.

The ballot was set up to coincide with the end of British Summer Time on Sunday, when many schoolchildren and workers will begin thinking about travelling home in the dark for the first time in months.

RoSPA has been at the forefront of a crusade to give the UK an extra hour of evening daylight for decades - citing research that shows lighter nights would save 80 lives and prevent more than 200 serious injuries on our roads each year.

Apart from the avoidance of grief and suffering, fewer road accidents would also bring considerable annual savings to taxpayers.

RoSPA’s recent poll was launched on the back of a blog by its chief executive, Tom Mullarkey. To read what Mr Mullarkey said, and to watch his video interview on the subject, visit http://safetygonesane.wordpress.com/2011/10/11/lighting-up-time/.

The clock change campaign is closer to succeeding now than at any time since 1970, thanks to Rebecca Harris MP’s Private Members’ Bill - which passed its second reading in Parliament in December with a huge majority.

To help the Bill clear the next hurdle, RoSPA has called on the public to help convince Westminster of its popularity. People can do this by clicking the "Support Our Campaign" button at www.rospa.com/about/currentcampaigns/lighter-evenings/.

If successful, the Bill will lead to the Government carrying out a cross-departmental analysis of the benefits of Single/Double Summer Time (GMT+1 in winter / GMT+2 in summer) - which in turn could trigger a three-year trial.

RoSPA’s chief executive, Tom Mullarkey, said: “Our straw poll and the Twitter session were intended to spark debate on a subject where myths and legends have often blocked a clear-eyed view of the issues.

“It’s really encouraging that more than 400 people have visited my blog in recent days to tell me that they want lighter evenings.

“With almost every SDST opinion poll ever conducted showing resounding support, we now throw down the gauntlet to our politicians: give the people what they want; a proposal that brings so many benefits to the UK at no cost.”

ADVICE FOR STAYING SAFE AS THE NIGHTS DRAW IN:

To prevent casualties, RoSPA is issuing the following advice. Cyclists should ensure they can be seen easily. In the dark, they must, by law, have front and rear lights lit and reflectors must also be fitted. RoSPA also urges cyclists to wear brightly-coloured or fluorescent clothing in daylight and reflective clothing or accessories in the dark. Pedestrians, including joggers, also need to be aware that it can be very hard to see them when they are wearing dark clothing. RoSPA advises that they also ensure they are clearly visible.

Most importantly of all, the safety charity urges drivers and motorcyclists to ensure they keep a proper look-out for vulnerable road users, not least because failing to look properly is the most frequently-reported factor in accidents on Britain’s roads. They also need to watch their speed, particularly in residential areas and around schools.