"MP sets blistering lap time on Scalextric track at party conference"
Stephen Metcalfe MP is supporting a Guide Dogs campaign which highlights the potential danger that quiet electric and hybrid vehicles present to visually impaired people.
Stephen Metcalfe MP showed his support for the Safe and Sound campaign when he visited the Guide Dogs' stand at the Conservative Party Conference. The imaginative stand featured a large Scalextric track, complete with Guide Stig dressed in a white racing suit and helmet. Delegates were invited to post their best times on a leader board.
After achieving a respectable lap time of 3.0 seconds, Stephen Metcalfe MP said: “I am delighted to be able to support Guide Dog’s innovative Safe and Sound Campaign. Quiet vehicles pose a real danger to all pedestrians, especially those living with sight loss.”
Guide Dogs launched its Safe and Sound campaign at this year’s party conferences. Last month the charity released a report called Silent But Deadly, which examines the danger that quiet vehicles pose to blind and partially sighted pedestrians, who rely on hearing them approach in order to cross roads safely.
Guide Dogs believes that the risks will only increase as more quiet vehicles are sold, and so the charity wants these types of vehicle to be fitted with artificial engine noises so pedestrians can hear them approaching.
Stephen added: "Guide Dogs did a great job of raising awareness of a serious issue in a fun way and I sincerely hope this they achieve the desired outcomes of this campaign”
