MERSEYSIDE Police are taking part in the first ever National Safe Speeds Day today to highlight the human cost of excessive speed.

All 43 police forces in England and Wales, as well as Police Scotland and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, are participating in Project EDWARD – Every Day Without A Road Death - a 24-hour operation to encourage compliance with speed limits.

The project is backed by government, the emergency services, highways agencies, road safety organisations and British businesses and promotes an evidence-led, 'safe system' approach – the long-term objective of which is a road traffic system free from death and serious injury.

The campaign is managed by RoadSafe in partnership with Driving for Better Business, a government-backed programme to help employers in the private and public sectors reduce work-related road risk, protecting staff who drive or ride for work, and others who they may share the road with.

Adrian Walsh, Director of RoadSafe, said: "Project EDWARD is about all road users, road authorities and emergency services joining forces with the aim of zero road deaths.

"Our road trips will be stopping at multiple locations each day to share exciting content, knowledge, interviews and stories all linked to keeping those who drive for work safe.

"We will be looking at Safer Drivers, Safer Vehicles, Safer Journeys and Driver Wellbeing as well as how best to manage those who drive for work in order to reduce risk, control costs and improve efficiency.

"Our aim is to provide a platform that showcases some of the best work being done around the country."