MOTORISTS, cyclists and pedestrians in Purbeck will soon be urged to sign a special safety pledge designed to help prevent serious road accidents.

After consultation, Purbeck Community Partnership discovered that residents' main concern was cars speeding through their towns and villages.

But when the police analysed information collated from speed checks in Purbeck, they found that almost 70 per cent of motorists caught speeding lived in the area.

In a bid to create a safer community for residents and their neighbours, the partnership will soon invite local road users to sign a pledge committing them to drive slowly and carefully in the area.

John Thraves, chairman of the Purbeck Community Partnership, said: "Even if this project helps save one life it will have been worth doing.

"I believe it will help remind people to cut their speed and encourage pedestrians and cyclists to be more aware.

"Some of the feedback we have received has called the project a waste of time and said it's a matter of common sense.

"My argument is that sadly 70 per cent of the motorists caught speeding in Purbeck, who turned out to be from the area, clearly need reminding to use their common sense."

Mr Thraves revealed how similar projects have been introduced in Wimborne, Surrey and in some rural communities in Somerset where they have met with varying success.

"Judging by the experiences other communities have had it's a question of how it is launched and how it is followed up, but we are confident the project can have a real impact," he added.

In the pledge motorists, cyclists and pedestrians have to tick various statements, including promising to drive with consideration to all road users if a driver, to be highly visible if a cyclist and to use pedestrian crossings if a walker.

The project will be officially launched in May.