HEREFORD Times staff who launched the paper’s Safer Driving Campaign are to receive a major county award.

News editor Ian Morris and his deputy, Mark Bowen have been responsible for the campaign since it was launched in January 2008 after a massive increase in fatal and serious crashes.

“We wanted to do more than just report on these tragedies,” said Ian.

“The idea was to show motorists the simple, but not necessarily obvious, ways they could become better drivers while highlighting the dangers on the county’s roads.”

Not only did they research and prepare regular articles, to appear in print and online, on the work of various county agencies, including the police and Herefordshire Council, they spoke to victims, families and support groups.

And both undertook – and passed – the demanding Institute of Advanced Motorists driving test.

“What impressed me most about the test was the way it took rural conditions into account,” said Mark on his herefordtimes.com blog.

“Being comfortable with the sorts of hazards you find on these often bendy and challenging roads is vital if you drive in Herefordshire.”

Now they are each to receive a High Sheriff’s certificate at a ceremony in Hereford Town Hall.

Editor Liz Griffin said: “We’re all really proud of the work that Ian and Mark have done, especially as it coincides with new figures showing that casualty figures in the county have dropped dramatically during the campaign.

“There has been a 30 per cent reduction in fatal or serious injuries and a 45 per cent drop in the numbers of children killed or badly hurt. We’ve been pleased to work in partnership with other agencies in publicising how we can make this county even safer.”