Pauline Fielding, has received a Member of the Order of the British Empire, for her contribution to road safety.

As a trustee for RoadPeace, the national charity for road crash victims, Pauline has worked tirelessly for safer roads and better support for road crash victims.

Pauline’s resolve to prevent death and injury, started in 1994 when her son Andrew was killed by a driver who did not stay at the scene and who was never traced. The devastation experienced by Pauline and her family left her resolved to prevent this happening to others.

Pauline’s son, Andrew

It took five years, but with the support of local MPs, councillors, RoadPeace and her friends, family and the community, the speed limit on the road was reduced from 60mph to 40mph. In addition warning signs and road markings were made to draw attention to dangers at the junction. Meanwhile, Pauline had become a member of RoadPeace and together with Margaret Highton, whose granddaughter had been run over and killed, set up RoadPeace North West.

The RoadPeace North West group has helped countless families in the area who have been bereaved as a result of road crashes.

As well as the monthly meetings Pauline runs, she also organises two remembrance services every year in Liverpool.

The first is held in Liverpool Cathedral on 31st August, the anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, to remember her and all road crash victims. The second is held in St George’s Hall, on the third Sunday of November, to mark the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Both services offer a chance for families in the region to remember loved ones, and also highlight the terrible toll of death and injury to society.

Alongside the support groups and the remembrance services, Pauline through the North West group works in conjunction with the Merseyside Road Safety Partnership, bringing together the police, emergency services and councils to reduce death and injury on the road.

It is particularly fitting that Pauline has been awarded her honours in 2020, as this year marked success for her long running campaign to improve the junction her son Andrew was killed at. Pauline and other resident groups have long-campaigned for improvements along the A540, particularly at its junction with Raby Park Road. The recently formed  Action54Zero Group, campaigning for safety improvements along the A540, met with the Council to discuss preliminary proposals in March and discussions on more detailed designs are ongoing.

Nick Simmons, RoadPeace CEO, said

“Everyone at RoadPeace is delighted that Pauline has received her thoroughly well deserved MBE. Alongside campaigning for safer roads, she has done so much for crash victims and their families. The RoadPeace North West group has provided a source of comfort for so many people in the region. RoadPeace would not be the organisation it is without her, and her work as a trustee and group coordinator is immensely valued. Congratulations Pauline.”

Pauline said, “This honour came as a surprise but I am delighted and hope that it will raise awareness of the issues I have been campaigning about as well as the work of RoadPeace.

The honour reflects the help and support I have had from my wonderful family, friends, RoadPeace, Merseyside Police and other professionals as well as the community. My sincere thanks to you all.”

Updated on: 30 December 2020