No time to waste

Putting clocks forward two hours will save lives, says MP

PRESSURE is mounting on the Government to launch an in-depth study into the benefits of moving the clocks forward an hour to reduce the number of road deaths.

Ashton MP David Heyes wants a three-year trial of clocks going forward by two hours in the summer months, and one hour in winter.

Mr Heyes, whose constituency includes Failsworth, said: “I believe this will save lives.

“A few people are against it, mainly the Scots, who say it will mean dark mornings when the children are going to school.

“But all the statistics show it would save lives in terms of road accidents and it would improve the quality of life for people having lighter evenings all year around.”

A parliamentary campaign signed by 15 MPs, including Mr Heyes, highlighted the significant financial, environmental, public health and quality of life benefits that could come from the move, including increased participation in sport, fewer road accidents, and a reduction in crime.

MPs believe the move would significantly reduce road deaths. Latest figures show almost one in three people killed in road accidents in Oldham is under 25. The figures from the Department for Transport revealed there have been 32 fatalities in Oldham over the past five years with 10 of them aged 25 or under.

The call from MPs is also backed by campaigners who argued that changing the clocks would cut road deaths and serious injuries by 450 a year and bring an annual increase of 2 per cent in tourist-related revenues.

The new Government has now said it will discuss the issue after campaigners claimed it will save lives.

A backbench bill has also been introduced in the Commons which would force ministers to under take cross-departmental analysis of the impact of extending the hours of daylight and act on the findings.

A similar trial took place in the 1960s but was shelved after opposition from Scottish farmers.