A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) who supports families following the death of a loved one on local roads is pleading with the public to listen to safety advice and stick to the speed limits.

As part of a National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) speeding operation, PC Sam Sparkes – who works for the Road Policing collaborated unit in Bedfordshire, has spoken out after consoling families for many years. 

As a FLO, part of Sam's job is having to be the person to tell families that their loved one will not be coming home because they have been killed in a road traffic collision. She provides ongoing support and information to help families come to terms with what has happened, and talk them through any criminal proceedings taking place. 

Sam said: "It is devastating to tell families that their loved one has been killed or seriously injured in a crash. People react differently, and it is my job to manage the many emotions that family members have.

"I have been to so many road traffic collisions where speed was a major factor, meaning they could have simply been avoided. My message is simple: please do not risk your life, and the lives of other people by speeding – stick to the limits to make sure you arrive back home to your family safely."  

Since the start of 2021 there have been 296 fatalities and serious injuries on the roads across Beds, Cambs and Herts due to speeding drivers.

Enforcement as part of the NPCC national speed operation will run for the next two weeks, between 17 and 30 October.

This campaign coincides with Project EDWARD's (Every Day Without A Road Death) week of action which runs between 17 and 21 October. The team will be travelling around the UK to share good practice to inspire safety on our roads. The theme for 2022 is Changing Minds, Changing Behaviour.