Safe Speed Forums

I sent this:

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Freedom of Information Act Request
Date: Wed, 24 Aug 2005 14:45:08 +0100
From: Paul Smith <psmith@safespeed.org.uk>
Organization: Safe Speed
To: DfT DfT <road.safety@dft.gsi.gov.uk>
CC: tim.shipman@dailymail.co.uk

Hi,

Please service the following request made under the Freedom of Information Act
2000.

I understand from Tim Shipman of the Daily Mail that the DfT has been using
external PR and survey companies to gauge press and public opinion on various
issues. I am interested in speed cameras. Accordingly, please provide:

1) Copies of documents received from Millward Brown regarding press coverage
on speed cameras, road safety and related issues.

2) Copies of documents received from MORI regarding public opinion survey data
on speed cameras, road safety and related issues.

3) Any similar or related documents received by the DfT from other
organisations.

The address for correspondence is:
Trace House,
Clay of Allan
Fearn near Tain
Ross-shire
Scotland
IV20 1RR

Please acknowledge this Freedom of Information request.

I would prefer to receive your reply in electronic form by email.
====================================

The copious reply is here:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/d ... 41073.hcsp

I've read quite a bit of it. I'm not sure yet what the most important revelations are.

_________________
Paul Smith
Our scrap speed cameras petition got over 28,000 sigs
The Safe Speed campaign demands a return to intelligent road safety

the "themes coming through coverage" chart is good.
(page 8 of the top report)
press coverage is 9000 bad coverage of government actions
to 4800 netral to good coverage

reducing casualties is 3125 negitive to 1500 neutral/positive

they have moved the center line to put nutral on thier side and it is all very heavy against

by 2005 jan-june the numbers are miniscule 500neg to 700 neutral/positive. they have lost the press and the public.

but the transparancy/honesty has gone ballistic10100 neg to 1900 neutral/positive 81% of preess coverage is against the government and they have been monortering it and still can't turn it around

all numbers are aprox as I'm reading off a bar chart

page 23 "media influence index" gives you a usefull list of people at papers to target. for instance ray massey of the daily mail is by far the most outspoken on roads and david williams ( various ) is second followed closley br ben webster. Might be worth taking them out for a lunchtime drink...