LOCAL Authorities and Road Policing Units from across the East of England have joined forces to launch a new road safety campaign aimed at young drivers.

‘How fast can you stop?’ is a celebrity backed speed awareness campaign aimed at 17 to 24 year olds showing the effect different speeds have on the ability to stop a moving vehicle.

Chief Inspector Richard Hann, from the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Roads Policing Unit, said: “When driving, always observe the distance which is clear in front of you, as cars can slow down or stop unexpectedly.

“If you need to brake at any speed, remember to consider your reaction time as well as the time it will take for your car to actually stop. Driving at speed increases thinking distances and braking distances, and if you are driving too close to the car in front, you may not have enough time to stop.” The campaign centres on a short film which demonstrates how different people react to cars unexpectedly braking and the effect on their ability to perform an emergency stop.

Emmerdale actor Matthew Wolfenden and The Only Way is Essex personality Chloe Sims travelled at speeds of 30mph, 35mph and 60mph to show the impact speed had on their braking distances.

Matthew Wolfenden said: “I think the skill is definitely in your personal reactions to what is happening on the road, because there is no skill in driving fast. Anyone can drive fast - you stick the pedal to the floor and go. The skill is in stopping and your reactions to stopping and to the cars around you.”

The film was shot at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire with advice from a professional rally driver, test driver and Millbrook’s Chief Marshal, The campaign was produced in partnership by Hertfordshire County Council, Luton Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire Council, Amey and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Road Safety Partnership alongside Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing Unit and Cambridgeshire Road Policing Unit.