Welcome to Road Safety Wales
25/11/09
A school crossing patroller who has also brightened up a primary school with his murals has been named the best in Wales. Barry Glover also acts as a lunchtime supervisor, helps out on school trips and ran an after school art class at Whitland School in Carmarthenshire.
The 73-year-old was nominated by pupils who also staged a special assembly in his honour to mark his award.They posted handwritten nomination forms for Mr Glover and used artwork and posters to show their support.
Mr Glover said he first began working at the school about 10 years ago as a lunchtime supervisor and helping with odd jobs. Then when the school crossing patrol retired he took on that role as well.
"I really enjoy being down there - it's a great job," he added.
"I like the interaction with the children."
His murals can be found on walls inside around the school and he said he enjoyed sharing his love of art with the pupils.
He will now represent Wales in the UK final of the Kwik Fit Insurance Lollipop Person of the Year awards with a holiday and £3,000 to spend on school equipment up for grabs.
Head Teacher Ann Humphries said: "Barry is a really important part of our school and we're absolutely delighted that he's been chosen."
Rhys John, School Crossing Patrol Supervisor, Carmarthenshire County Council added, "Barrie takes his role very seriously and the safety of the children is paramount. He undertakes his responsibilities diligently and it is very reassuring to all in the school that the children are in safe hands"
11/11/09
The Vale of Glamorgan Council are pleased to welcome St Athan Primary School to their ever-growing list of JRSO schools.
They are the 31st school to join the popular scheme with even more schools showing an interest in their pupils helping to spread the word of Road Safety amongst children, teachers, parents and the local community.
Meanwhile, in Eagleswell Primary School, Llantwit Major, Mrs Alison Richardson a JRSO Helper and School Crossing Patrol of the Year, welcomed the new JRSOs with Mr John Rogers, Road Safety Officer at the Vale of Glamorgan Council.
Mr Rogers said,
'We are so pleased with all the schools who have signed up for the JRSO Scheme so far in what promises to be our busiest year yet.
The JRSOs and their Helpers really do make such a difference in promoting road safety through competitions, assemblies and notice board work in their schools - some have even helped with their School Travel Plans and have a great influence on what happens outside their school gates. We hope that they keep up the great work they are doing and that more schools will join this worthwhile national scheme'.
For more JRSO information visit www.jrsocymru.org.uk
5/11/09
Local authorities are being encouraged to review their speed limits in new guidance published by the Welsh Assembly Government. The guidance covers 20 mph zones, speed limits on urban and rural roads, particularly through communities and aims to ensure all limits are appropriate for their locations.
Deputy First Minister and the Minister for the Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, said that local speed limits are a crucial tool in improving road safety and reducing casualties.
Speaking at Ysgol Christchurch in Rhyl, which has benefited from a new 20mph zone funded through the Assembly Government’s Safe Routes in the Community scheme, Mr Jones recommended that local authorities use the guidance to review all their local speed limits and implement changes by the end of 2014.
He said:
“The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to reducing road traffic collisions and injuries, and developing safer environments for all road users.
“Speed limits play a fundamental role in effective speed management to encourage, help and require road users to adopt appropriate and safe speeds.
"We hope local authorities will use this guidance when considering if current limits are appropriate. It is important that highway authorities and the police work together in determining, or considering, any changes to speed limits. Neighbouring highway authorities should also work together to ensure consistency of speed limits, especially where roads cross boundaries.”
Mr Jones added:
“Speed limits are, however, only one element of speed management. Ideally local speed limits should be part of a package of measures to manage speeds. For example this could include engineering, landscaping, enforcement, education, driver information, training, and publicity work.
"Increasing the use of 20mph limits across Wales is a One Wales commitment. Currently there are 481 20mph limits or zones in Wales which have risen steadily in the recent years thanks to Assembly Government funding. Studies have shown that 20mph schemes can improve safety and we would encourage local authorities to consider implementing more of these where appropriate.”
A large sample of those 20mph schemes are currently being analysed with a view to providing additional information on their effectiveness, together with case studies to demonstrate good practice.
The guidance also contains advice to local authorities on setting speed limits in urban and rural areas. For example on rural roads the document generally encourages 30mph in villages and communities but emphasises that each speed limit should be assessed on a case by case basis.
The guidelines are being published in advance of a new national road safety strategy. This will incorporate casualty reduction targets for beyond 2010 and may be accompanied by additional speed management advice.
View the guidance here
3/11/09
Children who use buses to travel to school are being handed a behaviour code which allows head teachers the power to punish those who misbehave. Pupils are warned they could even be excluded from school if they do not follow the rules, starting in January. It aims to improve the behaviour and safety of young people travelling to school or college.
The father of a boy killed in a school bus crash in 2002 said it was a step in the right direction.
The Assembly Government said schools and local authorities would have the power to take action against young people who misbehaved on their way to and from school or college.
An awareness campaign will start in January to encourage pupils to behave responsibly and help head teachers, teachers, parents and transport operators to understand their role. The code, which includes all methods of transport, will be incorporated into schools' existing behaviour policies.
Deputy First Minister and Transport Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said: "These newly acquired powers have given us an opportunity to produce an all-encompassing code which will cover the various forms of school transport used every week across the nation, from roads to railways, and buses to bicycles.
"Close engagement with children and young people has played a very important part in developing the code - their views and opinions have been listened to, and are reflected as such.
"This code concentrates on positive messages around children and young people's rights, responsibilities and safety when travelling from home to school or college."
David Cunningham-Jones, father of 12-year-old Stuart, who was killed in a school bus crash in the Vale of Glamorgan, welcomed the code but said more work was needed.
He said: "If you go back to the time of the crash, this was all very grey - nobody knew who had responsibility.
"Children will be more aware what they've got to do, teachers will be more aware of their responsibility and bus drivers too."
The jury at Stuart's inquest returned a verdict of accidental death, believing the crash happened because of interference with the steering wheel after the bus driver described how a child grabbed the wheel seconds before the crash. Stuart's parents have since campaigned for safer buses.
Mr Cunningham-Jones added: "I would like to see Westminster give the powers to change the Transport Act and that would enable the Assembly to stipulate the type of buses, the age of buses, the requirement of seatbelts and abolish the 'three-for-two rule' [where three children can sit on a bus seat designated for two people]."
The code states operators and drivers will have a responsibility to report any incidents of bad behaviour.
Mr Jones added: "We appreciate the problems poor behaviour can have on bus drivers.
Head teachers' union NAHT Cymru said it believed the code, along with appropriate training for drivers, could have a positive impact on behaviour and make journeys safer for all.
The union said: "We've supported this from the start. It came out of the campaign for safer school transport after the Vale crash. There's been a lot of discussion with interested parties as the policy was developed - a sensible way to do it."
Document Download
Travel behaviour code (PDF 30.6KB)
30/10/09
The number of fatal collisions on Powys roads has seen a dramatic decrease in the past three years, Powys County Council has revealed.
In 2006, the County accounted for more than 60per cent of all Dyfed Powys fatal motorcycle collisions with 13 deaths but last year that percentage fell to 36per cent with four fatalities. So far this year, the figure has fallen even further with three fatalities accounting for 30per cent of the force area’s most serious collisions.
Board Member for Road Safety, Councillor Gwilym Evans commented; “We continue to work in conjunction with the Police and other Emergency Services, Road Safety Wales and the recently formed Wales Road Casualty Reduction Partnership on a number of road safety projects and initiatives. We have assessed 84 Powys’ residents through our motorcycle assessment scheme and we have also trained 223 young drivers through the Pass Plus Cymru course in 2009 alone.
“There has been a significant amount of work carried out by the council’s Road Safety Unit to cut the number of motoring fatalities in the county. Whilst we are confident that the work is paying off by the fall in the number of deaths in the past three years, we are not complacent and will continue to develop and implement schemes in order to further reduce the number of casualties.
“There is still a lot of work to be done; however, the County has seen an 83per cent decrease in the number of young people who were killed on our roads from 2007 to 2008.
“Powys is 25% of Wales and has the longest road network. The important message for all motorists is that you will be safe if you travel at an appropriate speed for the prevailing road and weather conditions. The wonderful scenery and roads in Powys are there to be enjoyed. Please drive safely, he added.
20/10/09
Residents in Powys have the opportunity later this month to meet a team which works hard to ensure that the county’s roads are safe for everyone. Powys County Council’s Road Safety Unit will be at supermarkets in Brecon, Llandrindod Wells and Ystradgynlais to provide road safety advice or answer any queries residents may have.
The Unit constantly works towards achieving national and local targets for reducing collisions and casualties on Powys’ roads through education, training and publicity.
Cllr Gwilym Evans, Board Member for Road Safety, said: “Ensuring that our roads are safe for everyone is an important aim and our Road Safety Unit is at the forefront of many successful initiatives which residents may not know about.
“Our roadshows are a great opportunity to meet members of the Unit and showcase the vital work we do to reduce the number of collisions and casualties that occur on our roads.”
As part of their work, the Road Safety Team provides education and/or training for road users, including:
- In Car Safety – including child car seats - Child pedestrian training - Cycle training - Walking and cycling to school - Primary and secondary school education - Pre-driver training - Young driver training - Mature driver training - Motorcyclist’s assessments.
Sarah Morris, the council’s Senior Road Safety Officer said: “Not only will we be able to discuss some of the initiatives we’re involved in, we will be on hand to give residents safety advice on anti drink and drug driving, mobile phones, winter driving, night driving, seatbelts, driving for work, fatigue, hazard perception, or any other road safety queries you may have.”
Residents can visit members of the Road Safety Unit at the following locations between 10am-4pm:
Morrisons Supermarket, Brecon – Wednesday 28 October
Somerfield Supermarket, Llandrindod Wells – Friday 30 October
Co-Op, Ystradgynlais – Wednesday 4 November
19/10/09
It may seem like a long time since the long sunny days of summer but officially summer will end in the early hours of Sunday 25th October.For road users this is the time to make sure they are fully prepared for the coming winter months.
Penny Thorpe, Principal Road Safety Officer with Capita Symonds, urged people to take extra care on Monday 26th October, “For many drivers, Monday evening’s rush hour will be the first time they have been out and about in darkness for 6 months and they may not be aware that not all their lights are working. Pedestrians may also be unused to being out in poor light conditions and should make sure they are wearing something bright and, if possible, reflective so that they can be seen in good time; cyclists should dust off their hi-viz kit and fit new batteries to their lights.”
Together with darker evenings will come frosty or foggy mornings. Be prepared! Clean your screen and windows before you move off, now is the time to invest in de-icer and a scraper because on the first icy morning it will be too late.
As well as checking that their vehicles are up to the rigours of winter, drivers should consider having their eyesight checked. Not only will this highlight any problems that may affect the driving task it should also show up any signs of disease before it’s too late to be treated.
Gwent Police have produced a leaflet with seasonal road safety advice for road users. To get a free copy contact David Llewellyn, Police Road Safety Officer on 01633 642013. Copies are also available from the Capita Symonds Road Safety Team see www.roadstuff.co.uk for details.
Remember, 95% of road traffic collisions are the result of human error – make sure it’s not yours.
2/10/09
The winners of this year's Road Safety Wales Awards, were presented with their Awards, which are supported by Chevron, at the Road Safety Wales Conference dinner on Monday 28 September at the Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon.
Coleg Sir Gâr, Carmarthenshire, was recognised for their innovative, modular ‘Young Driver Programme’ which enables participants to make informed decisions and become confident, competent drivers.
Sandra Howells, a School Crossing Patrol at Holy Name School, Fishguard, has been dedicated to the role for twenty eight years. She is regarded as a highly valued member of staff by the school and the Pembrokeshire Road Safety Team. Sandra takes every opportunity to promote her SCP role in the community and is an excellent example of the SCP personnel.
PC Phil Westbury displays high levels of enthusiasm and commitment in road safety initiatives aimed at young drivers in the Dyfed Powys region. Utilising his local knowledge of the young driver database, PC Westbury successfully initiates and supports awareness programmes for this difficult to engage group.
Nominated by Denbighshire Road Safety Team, Katie Benbow was a friend of David Wares, a young driver killed in 2008 when he lost control of the car he was driving at speed. Katie was moved to compose a song in his memory. A DVD of the song ‘To Day’ is now used to raise awareness of the consequences of inappropriate speed.
Eileen Evans and Tony Armstrong are highly regarded Kerbcraft volunteers in the Wrexham area who go beyond the call of duty and are a credit to the scheme. Much respected and appreciated by the schools, they provided invaluable support to the Wrexham Road Safety Team.
Corus Strip Products UK has taken the effective step of introducing stringent procedures specifically designed to tackle a minority of employees who displayed poor driving skills and attitudes. The scheme has significantly reduced on-site incidents and is an excellent example of pro-active road safety action in a commercial setting.
Congratulations are conveyed to the winners picture below with Phil Thompson, Chevron Pembroke Plant.
Ann Thomas and Kevin Chilton, Coleg Sir Gar
|
Sandra Howells, Holy Name Primary School, Fishguard |
PC Phil Westbury, Dyfed Powys Police |
I
Katie Benbow, Denbighshire |
Eileen Evans and Tony Armstrong, Wrexham |
Alan Dalgleish and Mark Davies,
Corus Strip Products UK
|
30/9/09
Dedicated civilian traffic management officers have begun patrolling the A55 corridor across North Wales in an effort to tackle congestion. The pilot scheme is designed to free up police for emergency responses.The new officers will have the same powers as police to stop, control and direct traffic.
It was understood a similar scheme would start simultaneously on the M4 but it will not now begin there until the end of the year. Police will still attend accidents but breakdowns are more likely to be handled by the new officers.
It is hoped congestion and delays will be reduced because incidents should be cleared from the road more quickly.
Hefin Lloyd Jones, A55 route manager with the North Wales Trunk Road Agency, said: "It's a trial for six months. Their key part is to assist North Wales Police in dealing with incidents on the A55, breakdowns or minor accidents.
"If North Wales Police are not available at certain times, they will be taking over smaller incidents.They won't be able to deal with serious incidents. They would play a support role. They won't be there pursuing, they won't be there to fine any motorists.They are there to assist and keep the A55 clear."
14/9/09
A striking new £3.2 million footbridge providing improved community links in Newbridge town centre has been officially opened. The bridge was named in honour of two local sporting legends. Joe and Enzo Calzaghe opened the landmark Calzaghe Bridge, located in the heart of Newbridge town centre on Wednesday, 9 September.
The bridge will improve pedestrian links between isolated elements of the community and the town centre, providing accessibility to job opportunities, retail, leisure, cultural and educational services and facilities.
The undefeated former world boxing champion and his award winning trainer father will attend a special opening event along with the Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, and other special guests.
"We are honoured to have this landmark structure named after us and we hope the whole community will enjoy the benefits of the bridge and the new links it has created," said Joe.
"We would like to take this opportunity to express our thanks and gratitude to everyone who has been involved in arranging this special day," added Enzo.
The Calzaghe Bridge project has been funded through Welsh Assembly Government transport grants of £1.542 million; £800,000 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); £707,340 from Caerphilly County Borough Council and £185,000 from the Newbridge Community Partnership.
It will provide sustainable access to Newbridge for pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities.
The bridge is a key part of the ERDF funded Newbridge Regeneration Programme which aims re-establish the town centre as a focus of economic and social activity and broaden the town's socio-economic and cultural base.
The opening also marks the completion of the £1.4 million Newbridge Safe Routes in Communities scheme, providing improved access for cyclists, pedestrians and people with disabilities to local facilities including the school, leisure centre and rail/bus interchange.
It includes other infrastructure to compliment the bridge such as new cycle routes, cycle storage, and a pedestrian crossing. The project is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, Caerphilly County Borough Council and the Newbridge Partnership.
Mr Jones said:
"Newbridge and the surrounding community have reason to celebrate. Not only is the town benefitting from improved community links, it also gets the opportunity to honour a great sporting family who are true ambassadors for the area.
"The Welsh Assembly Government is delighted to be able to support the building of this new bridge and the Newbridge Safe Routes in Communities project that will provide safer, more accessible links for the whole community.
"This is another example of our commitment, set out in the National Transport Plan, to improve walking and cycling facilities across Wales to provide a healthy, environmentally friendly alternative to the car."
Idris McCarthy, Chair of Newbridge Partnership, said,
"This whole project has been an excellent example of partnership working between Newbridge Partnership, Newbridge School, Caerphilly County Borough Council, Capita Symonds and the local community. This successful partnership has enabled this project to come to fruition and I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard over recent years to make it a success."
9/9/09
Carys Ofalus had to wear her wellingtons on the Tuesday at the Eisteddfod. She loved jumping in the puddles and getting her tail dirty!
The children of the whole of Wales were able to join in the singing with Meinir Gwilym and the schoolchildren from Ysgol Bro Tegid Y Bala. They were singing Carys Ofalus special Road Safety songs, which remind Carys and the children how to behave at the side of the busy roads.
The Birthday Party
On Friday the sun was shining; it was a very special day for Carys Ofalus, she was celebrating her 4th birthday.
Children called in the Gwynedd tent during the morning to make some birthday cards for Carys Ofalus. At 2 o’clock there was a grand party. The children played pass the parcel and trying to put the tail on the cat. Manon called by to read the Carys Ofalus and The Green Cross Code to the children.
The children sang Happy Birthday to Carys Ofalus and helped her blow the candles on the cake. Everybody had a drink of orange juice and a piece of birthday cake to enjoy.
8/9/09
Child related traffic collisions in Swansea have more than halved in the last ten years, according to the latest statistics.
Swansea Council has confirmed that road related collisions involving children between 0 and 15 years old have dropped to just 82 in 2008. On average, 165 children in the same age category were involved in similar incidents during 1994 to 1998.
The latest figures also show a steady decrease in the number of road related collisions involving young people between the ages of 16 and 25. In 2006 the figure stood at 410. This has now been reduced to 300.
Road safety officers in Swansea Council say the reductions are partly down to improved roads where the Council has implemented traffic calming measures such as safe crossing points near schools.
A more structured approach to road safety education for children has also helped reduce the figure.
Funding provided to the Council from the Welsh Assembly Government helps to provide education in schools such as the Kerbcraft scheme. The scheme provides five to seven-year-olds with practical roadside skills and has been provided in Swansea for a number of years.
John Hague, Cabinet Member for the Environment in Swansea Council, said: "These figures clearly illustrate the success we are having in passing on vital road safety knowledge to hundreds of young children in Swansea.
"We have also implemented lower 20 mph speed limits near schools and this is helping to slow down traffic and provide a safer environment for children and local residents."
Road safety officers also work with schools to access Safer Routes in Communities funding which can help provide safe walking and cycling routes near local schools.
Swansea has also had huge success in encouraging young drivers to enrol on the Pass Plus Cymru course, which provides new drivers with improved skills and experience behind the wheel.
Jeff Green, Swansea Council's Road Safety Officer, said: "We're really pleased that our work with young people and schools is having a positive impact.
"It is vital that young children are provided with effective road safety knowledge at a young age. The only way we can do that is by working with schools, parents and agencies such as local police."
28/8/09
The Children’s Traffic Club has been helping children in Pembrokeshire stay safe for five years. Its anniversary was celebrated during Child Safety Week (22nd-28th June) when members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Road Safety Unit visited eight schools to promote the club’s success.
Among the primary schools visited were Stepaside’s Nursery Group, Hakin Infants, Golden Grove, St Dogmael’s, St Oswald’s, Narberth and Fenton, where 259 children joined the club.
Meanwhile pupils in the Nursery and Reception Class at Ysgol y Frenni in Crymych enjoyed a special party to celebrate the club’s birthday.
Dressed up as balloon characters from the club, the three and four-year-olds sang songs, played games and tucked into party food.
The Children’s Traffic Club pack is a resource for parents/guardians to teach the basics of road safety to very young children. The club’s activity books introduce characters such as Sammy Seatbelt, Larry Look and Lucy Listen as a way of getting over the road safety message.
The club is free to join (registration is paid by Pembrokeshire County Council from funding given by the Welsh Assembly Government) and once parents have registered, their child will receive their first book, followed by a further five every three months afterwards.
Councillor Huw George Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said the club was an effective and proven way of teaching road safety to children of pre-school and early years age.
The club’s message is reinforced at school early years units, playgroups and nurseries through the Children’s Traffic Club Nursery Pack.
• Nursery packs and loan of the dress up kit can be acquired free of charge to all school early years units, playgroups and nurseries by contacting Kirstie-Anne Donoghue, Road Safety Education on 01437 775434.
27/7/09
More than 7,000 questionnaires have been distributed across the Swansea Valley as Neath Port Talbot Council continues its drive to create safe routes in communities.
The authori
ty has been developing this project across the county borough following a Welsh Assembly initiative. The aim is to improve road safety within the local community, raise awareness about travel issues and encourage more people to walk, cycle or use public transport.
Now they want the people of the Swansea Valley to have their say, to spell out how they think road safety and travel issues can be improved. In addition to the questionnaires the council is also planning road shows across the area inviting various organisations, local businesses, schools and the general public to get involved.
Head of engineering John Flower said: "We are sure the residents of the Swansea Valley recognise the importance of linking their communities along with the importance of improving safety for all; and we require their help."
The road shows are being planned for the week beginning July 27th and information will be distributed locally about each one.
Council Leader Councillor Ali Thomas said: "This is of vital importance to the Swansea Valley. Neath Port Talbot Council is concerned about improving the quality of life for everyone and this is a major part of that initiative.
"I hope many people will become involved and give the council their ideas about how these issues can be improved."
23/7/09
Over 2,500 Swansea schoolchildren were evacuated from a burning bus during an event held in the city. Fortunately the evacuation was only a mock safety exercise held at this year's Crucial Crew event.
The Swansea Council-led event is held every year and invites children from Swansea schools to take part in a number of fun-based activities that have a serious message.
This year one of the new activities included the simulation of a fire on a school coach where children were guided through a proper evacuation using emergency exits.
John Hague, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, said the Crucial Crew event provided timely support and information for pupils ahead of the long summer holidays.
He said: "Crucial Crew is a brilliant event designed to encourage children to understand how they can stay safe and have fun this summer."
Doreen Vanstone, Swansea Council's Crucial Crew Coordinator, said: "This has been the most succesful event so far. We had 2,650 children attend during the two weeks. We have also increased the number of agencies taking part that help to pass on loads of useful advice to the children.
"We aim to make all the activities as realistic as possible so that if the children were confronted with an incident they would not panic and would have enough practical knowledge to cope until help arrived."
20/7/09
Children in primary schools across the Caerphilly County Borough have been coming up with colourful designs to help reduce the speed of traffic in their communities. New 20mph zones are to be introduced outside four schools within the area:
- Cwmfelinfach Primary School
- Libanus Primary School
- Bryn Awel Primary School
- Cwmcarn Primary School
Pupils at each school took part in a special competition to design unique artwork that will feature on the new road signs that will be erected in the areas to remind drivers of the new reduced limit. One winner and 2 runners up were selected from each school and they were all invited to the new council HQ in Ystrad Mynach this week to be presented with gift vouchers and examples of the 20mph signs featuring their winning designs.
Caerphilly County Borough Council cabinet member for transportation and planning, Councillor Rob Gough, said, “Reducing the speed of traffic outside school gates can help save lives and we are delighted to introduce 20mph zones at four new sites in the area. The pupils have worked hard to create eye-catching designs and these will take pride of place in the community to help reinforce the message that speed kills.”
The Mayor, Councillor John Evans, presented prizes to the winning children, following which they were all invited for refreshments in the Mayor's parlour.
16/7/09
RoSPA’s 75th Road Safety Congress will invite delegates to travel the world without leaving the Midlands as they get to grips with lessons from around the globe. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents’ 2010 congress, entitled Around the World in 2 ½ Days: Lessons for the UK, will explore what can be learned from other countries’ approaches to road safety.
Speakers are now being sought for the Britax-sponsored conference, which will take place at the Holiday Inn in Stratford-upon-Avon from February 22-24, 2010.
The event will offer delegates the chance to hear about road safety strategies, case studies and examples of best practice from other nations and international organisations.
The theme echoes that of the road safety congress held in 2000, which also looked abroad as the UK prepared to embark on a new 10-year casualty reduction strategy. Now that strategy is concluding, road safety professionals from Britain and beyond will get chance to broaden their horizons again.
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA head of road safety, says: “ GB Road deaths in 2008 hit a record low but child deaths increased, showing the importance of staying focused on road safety. As we are planning the new road safety strategy for the next 10 to 20 years, with a vision of ‘making Britain’s roads the safest in the world’, this is the ideal time to focus on what lessons the UK could learn from how other countries tackle death and injury on the road. We’re looking for speakers to share from their experiences, and we’re just as keen to learn from mistakes as successes.”
9/7/09
This year's Junior Road Safety Officer Conference was held at the Newport International Sports Village, Wales National Velodrome, on Tuesday 23rd June. It was a fun, action packed and educational, with 16 schools participating on the day.
The event received a generous funding contribution from Capita Symonds; was supported by the Welsh Assembly Government and the participating five Local Authorities of Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council; Caerphilly County Borough Council; Monmouthshire County Council; Newport City Council and Torfaen County Borough Council.
During the morning session the Fire & Rescue Services, Heddlu Gwent Police, DHL’s heavy goods vehicle, and The Road Safety Team played their part. In the afternoon the Junior Road Safety Officers experimented with stationary bicycles, rowing machines and a ‘Beer Goggle’ obstacle course!
In the morning the children were given the opportunity to explore Maindee Station’s Fire Appliance and see their emergency cutting equipment, which can be used to extricate passengers from crashed cars. The Roads Policing Unit brought in two motorway police cars and gave some children the experience of being breathalysed! DHL provided a HGV which they use for their Trucks and Children presentations (TACS). The children were advised about where a large vehicle’s blind spots are, how big they are and to never cross the road in these spots. The Road Safety Team also held a cycling quiz, the JRSOs worked in teams to figure out the faults on two broken bikes. They were also given some useful information about looking after their own bikes and the importance of wearing their cycle helmet. During the lunch break everyone had a special treat of watching the semi-professional cyclists using the specialised track, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The afternoon sessions were a lot more active. They visited an anti drink drive station, where they had to complete an obstacle course and other tricky tasks wearing ‘Beer Goggles’. The JRSOs also tried out two stationary bicycles and rowing machines, they were challenged to cycle or row as fast and as far as they could in a minute. Luckily for the teachers, they were excused and instead received presentations and a trouble shooting question time with representatives from the Schools Travel Plans, South East Wales Transport Alliance (SEWTA) and Kerbcraft programmes.
Anna Smith the Junior Road Safety Officer Coordinator said ‘I am privileged to be able to provide an informative and fun day for the Junior Road Safety Officers. They have worked hard all year improving Road Safety within their school and local community and deserve a great day out at a special location!’
The teachers commented that the day was ‘Fun and entertaining; the children learnt a lot, at ease, and any questions were informative and openly answered.’
Kyle Coles a pupil in Torfaen said ‘It was a really great day! I had the beer goggles on and could see two of everything!’
Being a Junior Road Safety Officer School is a responsible step to helping pupils become more aware of the dangers of the road and encouraging them to think about their own safety. For more information, please contact anna.smith@capita.co.uk or 01633 463 296.
25/6/09
The latest National Statistics on Road Casualties produced by the Welsh Assembly Government were released on 25 June 2009 according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority.
Statistics on Road Casualties include data for Wales for the period up to the end of December 2008. The latest release updates the statistics previously released on 8 July 2008.
The Release
Statistical Release 96/2009 (PDF 192kB)
The key points from the latest release are:
- During 2008 there were 7,783 road accidents involving personal injury recorded by the police in Wales, 556 (7 per cent) fewer than in 2007.
- These accidents resulted in 11,185 casualties, 1,084 (9 per cent) fewer than in 2007. Within this total:
- 142 people were killed on Welsh roads in 2008, 19 (12 per cent) fewer than in 2007.
- 1,253 people were seriously injured in 2008, 15 (1 per cent) more than in 2007.
- 9,790 people were slightly injured, a decrease of 1,080 (10 per cent) compared to the previous year.
25/6/09
The Department for Transport has published statistics on road casualties in accidents reported to the police in Great Britain in 2008, according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority
- The number of people killed in road accidents reported to the police, fell by 14 per cent from 2,946 in 2007 to 2,538 in 2008. 28,567 people were killed or seriously injured in 2008, 7 per cent fewer than in 2007. There were just under 231,000 road casualties in Great Britain in 2008, 7 per cent less than in 2007.
- The number of deaths among car users in 2008 was 1,257, 12 per cent less than in the previous year. The reported number of seriously injured fell by 7 per cent to 10,707. Total reported casualties among car users were 149,169, 8 per cent lower than 2007. Traffic estimates indicate a 1 per cent fall in car and taxi traffic over the period.
- Child casualties fell by 8 per cent. The number of children killed or seriously injured in 2008 was 2,807 (down 9 per cent on 2007). Of those, 1,784 were pedestrians, 6 per cent down on 2007. 124 children died on the roads, 2 per cent higher than in the previous year, when the lowest ever child fatality figure of 121 was recorded.
- There were 572 pedestrian deaths, 11 per cent less than in 2007. Reported killed or serious injured casualties fell by 4 per cent to 6,642. The all pedestrian casualty figure fell to 28,481 in 2008, 6 per cent lower than 2007.
- The number of pedal cyclists killed fell by 15 per cent from 136 in 2007 to 115 in 2008. The number of seriously injured rose by 1 per cent to 2,450. The total casualties among pedal cyclists rose by 1 per cent to 16,297.
- There were 493 motorcycle user fatalities in accidents reported to the police in 2008, 16 per cent lower than during 2007. The reported number of killed or seriously injured fell compared to 2007 (down 10 percent from 6,737 in 2007 to 6,048 in 2008). The all motorcycle user casualties figure for 2008 of 21,549 is 8 per cent lower than in 2007.
- There were 170,500 road accidents involving personal injury reported to the police in 2008, 6 per cent fewer than in 2007. Of these, 25,457 accidents involved death or serious injury, 6 percent fewer than in 2007 (27,036).
8/6/09
Girls from the Third Porthcawl Trinity Brownies have gained their road safety badges with the help of Bridgend County Borough Council’s Road Safety team.
The team has been providing road safety lessons and teaching the Brownies about the Green Cross Code, how to find safe crossing places and the importance of making yourself visible when walking or riding bicycles.
To qualify for the road safety badge, the girls carried out work that included designing a cycle helmet. They learned why it is important to wear a safety helmet with help from Egg Head, a Road Safety team character which features a mini-cycle helmet.
Brown Owl Hilary Davies said: “I had noticed that children were riding their bikes and not wearing a helmet, so the demonstration highlighted in a fun way the importance of protecting your head. The Brownies really enjoyed the talk, especially when they saw that the egg was a real one and had not been hard boiled!”
Road Safety Officer Simon Ladbrooke said: “I was impressed with the Brownies’ enthusiasm. They have worked extremely hard in order to obtain their road safety badge and have learned a valuable life skill.”
1/6/09
School crossing patrols in Swansea have been kitted out with new uniforms after the service received sponsorship. Swansea Highways Partnership, which is made up of Swansea Council, Hansons Contracting and Alun Griffiths Contractors(Ltd) has purchased the specialist all weather kit.
The kind gesture will help keep Swansea's hard working team of school crossing patrols warm and dry throughout the year as they help thousands of school children safely cross roads to and from school. 95 brand new all weather coats have been purchased for the city's patrols.
Jamie Bowen, Business Improvement Manager, with Swansea Highways Partnership said, "We are delighted to be involved in helping Swansea's school crossing patrols stay safe and do their job keeping children in particular safe on our roads.
"They do a marvellous job and yet people too easily forget the importance of their role in making roads safer for people to cross.
"I am sure that their role is rewarding while at times extremely stressful, but there is no doubt it is extremely worthwhile.
"As we work to help improve highways and road safety in Swansea through our own contracts it will be nice to see the crossing patrols playing their role in a uniform designed to their own specifications and I am glad we have been able to contribute in this way."
Joanne Davies, Swansea Council's School Crossing Patrol Officer said, "I'm thrilled that the partnership has contributed to the costs of funding this valuable service.
"Our School Crossing Patrols do an excellent job, in all types of weather for the sake of the childrens safety. We really appreciate the support we have been given and are very grateful."
The Swansea Highway Partnership is a four-year partnership, worth up to £20m, will deliver greater efficiency and more effective planning of highway improvements through closer integration and team working.
29/5/09
Trials of a new, jam-busting patrol service - designed to reduce lane closure times and cut congestion on the M4 and on trunk roads throughout South Wales - were launched this week by Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones. Civilian traffic officers, paid for by the Welsh Assembly Government, will patrol the motorway in distinctively liveried vehicles with powers to stop, control and direct traffic. Their operations will mean a faster response time to traffic blocking incidents - and free police resources to concentrate on more serious matters.
While the patrol vehicles will assist in emergency situations, they will not be primary emergency response vehicles. The police will continue to attend and lead emergency situations or incidents that might involve criminal investigation.
It's estimated however that the new service- when fully operational - will cut the average call-out time to deal with routine traffic delaying incidents by half and, thereby, making a very significant impact on reducing congestion on the South Wales road network.
Announcing the new service jointly with Assistant Chief Constable of South Wales Police Colette Paul, Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said that the new arrangements will trial a model of collaborative working specifically tailored to the needs of the M4 and Trunk road network in South Wales.
Mr Jones said:
"I fully appreciate the frustrations and the economic cost caused by delays on this vital route. These new trials are just one example of the Assembly Government's determination to improve the efficiency of the M4 in future. My department is working closely with the police to improve monitoring and management - and this new service will enable both general operations and incidents to be managed more effectively."
Assistant Chief Constable Colette Paul said:
"We have been working closely with the Welsh Assembly Government over the last few months and are encouraged that significant steps have been taken on a journey that will eventually see the responsibility for the management of the M4 and its arterial routes transferred to the Welsh Assembly Government.
“This will free up police officers to focus on dealing with emergency situations, and catching criminals using the roads to keep South Wales Safe."
27/5/09
The third Annual JRSO Get-Together for Vale of Glamorgan Primary Schools was recently held at the Memorial Hall & Theatre in Barry. Some 63 children from 12 primary schools attended one of the biggest events in the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Road Safety Unit calendar.
The Junior Road Safety Officers (JRSOs) from each participating school were joined by teachers & helpers for this special occasion to highlight road safety concerns outside their own schools and to suggest some possible solutions in tackling them, as well as celebrating the success of their achievements over the past year.
It was a particularly special occasion this year as the JRSO Scheme has recently celebrated its 30th member school joining since it began operating in the Vale of Glamorgan back in 2004/05 - with just 6 schools.
The day included each group of JRSOs making their own presentations of what they have achieved at their own schools to the captive audience; visiting demonstrations by the crew from Barry Fire Station, who showed interested parties some of the equipment they used for rescuing people trapped in their vehicles after a road traffic collision, as well as an actual crashed car scenario (with dummies) hosted by South Wales Fire & Rescue personnel; and officers from the South Wales Police Road Safety Team, complete with squad car, showing some of the items they use when on duty out on the area’s roads. This was then followed by a well-earned buffet lunch, by way of thanks to everyone who contributed to the event and to road safety in the Vale of Glamorgan in general. The day finished with a special performance from the Gregory Brothers, whose popular Road Safety & Recycling Roadshow has been visiting most of the Vale Primary & Special Schools over the past few months.
The Junior Road Safety Officer (JRSO) Scheme is run by the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Road Safety Team as part of a national scheme which empowers children to highlight road safety issues within their schools. This is achieved by them raising awareness amongst fellow pupils, teachers & their local community under the auspices of the Council’s Road Safety Officers.
Several older primary age children are chosen each year in each member school and are given a JRSO uniform of a cap, badge & hi-vis jacket, together with a folder full of ideas for running competitions and assemblies on a road safety theme in their own schools. With 30 schools already participating, it is eventually hoped that all primary schools will have their own Junior Road Safety Officers in the next few years. Mr John Rogers, JRSO Scheme Organiser said,
‘Yet again the JRSO Get-Together was a huge success. I would like to thank everyone for contributing to such a worthwhile event. The JRSOs were a credit to themselves and the schools they proudly represent and their energy and enthusiasm in spreading the word of road safety was simply amazing. Keep up the great work you are doing!’
If any primary school is interested in taking part in the Junior Road Safety Officer (JRSO) Scheme, please contact John Rogers on 01446 704773 or e-mail JDRogers@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
27/5/09
Supported by
The annual Welsh Road Safety Awards recognise the good road safety practice, innovative projects and personal contributions being undertaken in Wales. The Award Scheme publicises and raises awareness of the contributions towards road casualty reduction targets.
Nominations should be submitted on the attached form, (accompanied by any relevant supporting material) no later than Friday 21 August 2009. The Award winners will be invited to receive their Award at the Road Safety Wales Conference dinner on Monday 28 September at the Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon. Award winners will receive £100 and a souvenir gift.
Download the Nomination Form here
Please return this form by Friday 21 August 2009 to:
Road Safety Wales, RoSPA, 2 Cwrt-y-Parc, Llanishen, Cardiff CF14 5GH
Fax: 029 2025 0601 E-mail: jbibby@rospa.com
22/5/09
Around twice as many people have applied to be lollipop men and women in Cardiff in the past two months as during the same time last year. Cardiff Council said it has had around 20 applications a month since March - bucking the recent UK trend of a lack of interest in the job.
It said it does not know the reason but speculated it could be because of current financial pressures. But it still has 30 vacancies to fill for the £6 an hour job.
Denise Cummings, who has been a lollipop lady to thousands of children for 22 years, encouraged others to join her.
"It's fantastic to see the children smile in the morning and hear what they've done in the school holidays," she said.
"When they leave primary school they come back and tell me what they are doing in secondary school, which is really very satisfying. For me, it's been incredibly rewarding to help the community I live in for so long."
Cardiff Council's road safety unit said many local authorities across the UK are struggling to fill vacancies so it is not sure why there has been a sudden jump in people applying in Cardiff.
It said it could be because of "financial pressure or a desire to do something different in a changing climate".
As well as the £6 hourly rate, crossing patrols are paid a retainer fee in school holidays. However, despite a number of vacancies being filled in the first part of the year, many pupils still remain without help to cross the road. The council is still trying to fill a number of posts in Birchgrove, Cardiff Bay, Ely, Grangetown, Lakeside, Rumney, St Melons, Thornhill and Whitchurch.
Ms Cummings, who works outside Herbert Thomson Primary in Ely, who has recently won a council award for her hard work and long service, said: "I would encourage anyone to be a school crossing patrol person.
"During my time I've seen the children I've helped grow up and start their own families, who I also help get safely to school. The job keeps me active too, which must be positive for my health and wellbeing."
Dave Evans, Cardiff Council's road safety manager, said the authority would train those interested in the job.
"Every patrol I speak to tells me about the satisfaction and fulfilment they get from helping children safely across the road," he said.
"It's not an easy job but we provide training and by law, traffic must stop when patrols request it to."
22/5/09
Users of the A55 North Wales Expressway will be the first in Wales to benefit from a dedicated traffic officer service. A trial of the new A55 Traffic Officer Service will be announced by the Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones, at the official opening of the new £2.1 million North Wales Traffic Management Centre, at the Morfa, near Conwy.
Mr Jones, who will be joined by the Chief Constable of North Wales Police, Richard Brunstrom, says that the new arrangements will radically improve how the road is policed and could eventually be rolled out across Wales’ major roads.
“I am confident the new system will help cut the time it takes to respond to incidents on this key arterial link”, said Mr Jones, who is Minister for the Economy and Transport.
“The service will help free up police officers to concentrate on core tasks that affect the safety of all road users. Together with the operations of the North Wales Traffic Management Centre, this will bring social and economic benefit to the whole of North Wales.”
Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom said:
“Today sees the launch of an exciting new development in partnership working between the Welsh Assembly Government and the Police service in Wales in how we dynamically manage the trunk road network.
“Road users will see the newly liveried traffic officer vehicles on the A55 delivering in a very conspicuous manner enhanced patrols. This will result in a fresh approach to the proactive management of congestion to reduce delay, enhance economic viability and thus improve road safety.”
Each of the yellow and black battenberg marked vehicles will be fitted with amber and red lights, and traffic officers working in the vehicles will have the powers of a police constable to stop, control and direct traffic.
However, these vehicles are not emergency response vehicles – their role is to provide reassurance and promote public safety, and the police will continue to attend and lead emergency situations or incidents that might involve criminal investigation.
“The aim is to assist and not persecute motorists travelling on the A55 Euro route to ensure the network keeps moving," said Richard Brunstrom.
The Traffic Management Centre, which has been fully functional since February 2009, provides a home for Traffic Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government’s traffic information service, which has a leading role in the monitoring and managing the trunk road network.
22/5/09
Neath Port Talbot Council’s Road Safety Unit has given comprehensive schools in the area the opportunity to be part of a brand new dynamic road safety popular music production.
Working in conjunction with a Freelance Music Tutor, Geraint Brown, the Road Safety Unit have been working with selected groups of pupils from six comprehensive schools across the county borough, whereby pupils were challenged to compose lyrics based on a road safety topic and produce a final recording. On completion of the recording a CD of the schools composition was produced.
The Road Safety Unit co-ordinated a launch event in the form of a professional concert on 30th March at the Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot, where over 150 pupils that took part in the production performed their composition in front of family and friends.
The Compare for the evening was Claire Scott from The Wave/Swansea Sound radio station.
Neath Port Talbot’s Road Safety Manager, Joy Smith said, “Engaging young adolescents in this age group can be difficult and therefore it is integral that the delivery is both exciting and rewarding. This project encourages the creative use of music and advertising as a means of getting students to consider and promote awareness of road safety issues through music.”
Note - Schools taking Part in the Event include:-
• Sandfields Comprehensive
• Cymer Afan Comprehensive
• Cwrt Sart Comprehensive
• Cwmtawe Comprehensive
• Glan Afan Comprehensive
• Llangatwg Comprehensive
• Cefn Saeson Comprehensive
• Duffryn Comprehensive
19/5/09
Cwmbrân Library is the latest port of call for anyone wanting information about Road Safety in Torfaen. A notice board with information, posters and leaflets is now on display in the Library foyer.
Road Safety is a topic which concerns everyone, from all age groups and hopefully the notice board will help to bring various issues to the attention of people as they use the library.
The current display gives general road safety information, but over the coming months the specific road safety campaigns and issues will be promoted.
Thanks to the staff at Cwmbrân Library for their help.
13/5/09
Schoolchildren throughout the county borough were tested on their road safety knowledge thanks to a Rhondda Cynon Taf-wide competition to highlight the issue amongst the younger generations.
The Rhondda Cynon Taf Road Safety Quiz Final was held at the Council’s headquarters in Clydach Vale and welcomed six school teams from Darran Park Primary, Penrhiwceiber Primary, Porth Juniors, Ffynnon Taf Primary, Blaengwawr Primary and Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pont Sion Norton.
After a heated contest, the winning team of Ffynnon Taf Primary School claimed the £100 first prize and will represent the county borough in the South Wales Road Safety Quiz Finals at Police Headquarters in Bridgend next month. The second prize of £75 was claimed by Porth Junior School.
Hosted by the Council’s Road Safety Team the competition’s quizmaster was Jim Sullivan from the Education Welfare Service and supported by the Rhondda Cynon Taf Deputy Mayor Robert Smith and his consort Margaret Smith.
Cabinet Member for Transport and Customer Care, Cllr Andrew Morgan, said: “This event is the highlight of the calendar year for the Rhondda Cynon Taf Road Safety Unit who do so much to educate residents about the hazards that can be faced by pedestrians and motorists alike.
“This particular competition, aimed at the young generations, rewards the children who have worked so hard learning all about road safety, The event also demonstrates the excellent partnership working that exists within the county borough by all agencies involved and this can only be of benefit to residents and visitors alike.”
8/5/09
School children across the Caerphilly county borough will be able to travel to and from school in modern, safe buses thanks to new requirements put in place by the council.
A range of new measures will be introduced starting this year that will include:
- Use of single deck buses only
- Seat belts throughout
- A seat for every child
- Euro III emission standards
- A maximum vehicle age of 20 years
Longer contract durations are also being offered to local bus companies who meet these strict new requirements. The contracts will be offered for a period of five, seven or ten years based on the age of the vehicles and this will lead to savings by reducing the costs associated with annual tendering processes.
Cllr Phil Bevan, cabinet member for education, said, "Thousands of pupils are transported to schools across the county borough each day and we want to ensure that they travel in safe, modern vehicles. We also need to consider the impact this activity has on the environment so we are looking for bus operators to ensure their vehicles meet minimum emission standards too."
"The council has worked closely with local bus operators to ensure we offer our children the best possible standards of safety and efficiency and we look forward to the measures being introduced later this year," he added.
1/5/09
The THINK! campaign has launched THINK! Education, a new programme for young people aged from three to 16 years, their teachers and parents. The new resources aim to raise awareness of road safety among young people, and reduce the number of children killed and injured on the roads.
Resources for those aged three to five years and seven to 11 years are available now, with resources for 11–16s available in autumn 2009 and for those aged five to seven years in spring 2010.
The teachers’ area contains a guide to help senior managers plan and deliver road safety education along with teachers’ notes, curriculum links and lesson ideas.
The pupils’ area includes interactive games, video clips, posters, activity sheets and sound effects.
The parents’ area contains activity ideas and information about how parents can set a good example and teach their child good road safety skills, along with ‘home-link’ sheets for parents to complete with their children, reinforcing the messages of the classroom activities.
The resources are designed to be used flexibly. Teachers can mix and match ideas to suit their class and a variety of formats and activities are provided to suit different learning styles. The interactive resources can be used on a whiteboard or suite of computers. The style reflects the Tales of the Road advertising campaign.
All the resources are free and available online at: www.dft.gov.uk/think/education.
Click here to download a briefing note about the resources specially prepared for RSOs.
27/4/09
Parents in North Wales will be able to use satellite tracking to check their children are on the school bus, as part of a new pilot project.
The smart card scheme STAR is part of a wider initiative aimed at improving behaviour on school transport. Pupils will swipe a card as they get on buses. It will help schools and parents track them to ensure attendance while drivers can pinpoint any bad behaviour.
The scheme is being trialed across six counties in North Wales.
The project's leader Peter Daniels said: "We think this is the first such scheme in Britain."
The STAR scheme is part of the Zoom project, supported by the Welsh Assembly Government, which is designed to curb the growing problem of anti-social behaviour on journeys to school.
The project, being launched later at Mold Alun School in Mold, Flintshire, will be headed up by Denbighshire council.
Zoom's key objective is to create a level of understanding for year 7, 8 and 9 pupils so that they recognise the good behaviour expected from them when using school transport, the council explained.
The scheme will run for one year and, if successful, could be rolled out across Wales as early as the latter half of 2010.
www.zoom-wales.com
27/4/09
Young artists from Maesycoed Primary School in Pontypridd have entered a special poster competition that will soon be slowing speeding traffic in their own community. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has received funding from the Welsh Assembly Government’s Transport Grant for a Safe Routes in Communities scheme to implement a series of physical measures in Maesycoed.
The schemes main aims are to improve safety on the journey to and from school to encourage more pupils to walk to school, and to improve the pedestrian environment for the local community in general.
Children have been heavily involved in preparing a travel plan for the grant bid and were also given the task of designing a sign that would convey to drivers that they would need to slow down when entering the 20mph zone around the school. The signs had to be innovative, colorful and to include big bold letters.
The winners are Mary Clarke whose work will be shown on signs at the junction of Llanfair Road and Gelliwion Road, Reagan Medcraft whose poster will be on show a Mound Road and finally Cristyn Woodman who design will be on signs at Woodland Road and Factory Lane.
As well as seeing their design every day on the 20 mph zone signs surrounding the school all winners received a £10 gift token and a framed copy of their own award-winning sign.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Customer Care Cllr Andrew Morgan presented the awards. He said: “All of the designs we received for the competition were brilliant and it was a great way to introduce road safety to the children at Maesycoed.
“It is vital that children and young people are made aware of road safety as soon as possible and innovative methods like this help to give the information and guidance needed to stay safe on the roads.”
“The fact that the signs have been designed by children themselves should also impress upon drivers the importance of driving safely near the school and within the legal speed limits”.
The scheme is being carried out by the Council’s Highways Construction Unit and will consist of road humps, tactile paving crossing points and a 20mph zone ‘Gateway’ signing with the competition design included.
21/4/09
Wide-ranging proposals to dramatically cut the number of deaths on the roads were set out by Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick today as he also confirmed a major overhaul of the driver training and testing process.New measures to ensure all roads have the right speed limit and the formation of a new expert panel to investigate road safety are part of ambitious plans to cut road deaths by a third by 2020 and make Britain's roads the safest in the world.
The way people learn to drive and how they are tested is also set for major reform. A new road safety qualification will offer young people a partial credit towards their car theory test while the learning process and the theory and practical tests will all be improved. Van drivers also will be given the chance to enhance the skills they need for their work through a new qualification.
Jim Fitzpatrick said:
"We've already made real improvements to the safety of our roads - there are now almost 17,000 fewer deaths or serious injuries in a year than there were in the mid-1990s. But it is intolerable that eight people are still dying on our roads each day.
"We want to make Britain's roads the safest in the world. That will mean improving vehicles and the road network as well as helping drivers and other road users to be as safe as possible.
"The major changes to the driver training and testing process will create better prepared drivers while our plans for the next 10 years aim to make the roads and vehicles they use safer and so prevent many of the terrible crashes which cut short lives and tear families apart."
The DfT's draft road safety strategy for 2010-2020 - A Safer Way: Consultation on Making Britain's Roads the Safest in the World - is published today for consultation.
Details of the Consultation document can be found here
16/4/09
Teaching Road Safety in an already burgeoned curriculum, especially when it’s with something seemingly unrelated, may previously have been avoided at all costs. If, for instance, a music and road safety partnership failed to strike a chord, or was something to be staved off in the past, then read on.
Teachers and Year 2 pupils were put through their paces when they took part in the Road Safety Music Inset Course devised by Mr Bob Young (retired teacher). Mrs Bolster, Headteacher at Cantref Primary School, kindly provided the facilities for this course.
Rhythm was explored using cut out vehicles laid out as a musical phrase as children clapped time to “red lorry yellow lorry”.
Recorded traffic sounds tested listening skills, and children used every vocal chord known (and unknown) to man to imitate sirens and revving engines. Songs were sung and words substituted with percussion instruments.
Warning signs became an exercise in pitch lending themselves to a form of musical notation with gradient and bridge signs representing scales of high and low notes.
Cantref children proved themselves more than equal to this unique interpretation of music which was augmented with robust road safety messages.
“The booklet of lesson plans and seeing the lesson undertaken with children. Everything was useful. Thank you. I thoroughly enjoyed the course.” Helen Sansom, Llanfoist Fawr.
16/4/09
Never too young to learn the rules of the road, playgroups and nurseries enjoyed a Road Safety Show especially for them. This was the very first tour of the Louis Taylor Road Safety Show in Monmouthshire. 27 shows in just 5 days meant that hundreds of small children learnt about keeping safe on the roads.
Using magic and puppets, Louis Taylor made important messages fun and, importantly, memorable.
Research shows that young children need to learn to recognise dangers on the road. They need this valuable preparation to keep them safer in a hostile, traffic-centred world.
There is no magical formula for keeping them safe but it is never too early for them to learn. But don’t take our word for it.
“Great Messages...So much fun”. Julia Rennie, Puddleducks
“Very interactive. Held children’s attention. Very well organised.” E Mitchell, Destiny’s Child Day Care
“A very good performance to show the children awareness of road safety.” Lynsey Gore, Abacus Day Nursery
“Excellent show.” Pam Roberts, Deputy Head Cantref
“...children listened really well. Very funny for the children (and adults). He kept the children interacting for a long time”. Jolene Neil, Deri View
“Very enjoyable and informative. Please come again”, Helen Williams, Little Stars Nursery
“Great delivery of message”, Nicola Stephens, Pembroke Primary
“Thoroughly enjoyed by adults and the children. Well done.” Diane Martin, St John’s on the Racecourse
“We have Mrs Tufty and a “Kerbcraft” session in one of our “stay and play” sessions. So this was a variation on the road safety theme. It captivated the children. Great Show.” Andrea Somersall, Ser Fach, Undy.
Playgroups and Nurseries visited on the tour:
Abacus Day Nursery, Cantref Nursery, Deri View Nursery, Cylch Meithrin y Fenni, Nevill Hall Crèche, Red Robbins Nursery, Caldicot West End Nursery, Durand Nursery, Little Stars, Undy Nursery, Magor Nursery, Permbroke Nursery, Overmonnow Nursery, Monmouth Community Under Fives, Kymin View Nursery, Agincourt Pre-Prep School, Destiny’s Child Day Care, Tiny Beginnings, Thornwell Nursery, St John’s on the Race Course, Y Ffin Nursery, Puddleducks Nursery.
6/4/09
The Minister for Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones has announced grants of £8.1million for road safety projects across Wales. Local authorities will receive a share of the money to allow them to deliver road safety projects including 20mph zones, local road safety co-ordinators and educational initiatives.
Mr Jones said:
This money will allow local authorities to continue their good work in improving road safety throughout Wales.
For Wales as a whole in 2007, the number of people fatally or seriously injured in road collisions was 30% lower than the average for 1994-98, which is good progress towards the 40% reduction target set for 2010. From the analysis undertaken, it is fair to conclude that the measures introduced by local authorities through the road safety grant have substantially contributed to this casualty reduction.
Mr Jones added:
This grant will also allow local authorities to develop more 20 mph zones, as promised in our One Wales programme of government. Recent evaluation has shown these zones to very effective at reducing accidents.
As of August 2008 there were 438 locations in Wales which were subject to a speed limit of 20mph. An evaluation has shown that there were annual reductions of 42% and 40% personal injury collisions and serious or fatal collisions respectively at 273 of those schemes.
This year’s allocation includes funding for Child Pedestrian Training Co-ordinators for each local authority, who are helping to teach roadside skills to children between 5 and 7 years of age.
A minimum of 20% of their allocation must be used on education, training and publicity initiatives and the rest of the money can be spent on any other road safety projects.
The total grant of £8.129 million has been allocated as follows to each local authority:
- Anglesey £217,000
- Blaenau Gwent £217,000
- Bridgend £367,000
- Caerphilly £411,000
- Cardiff £880,000
- Carmarthenshire £501,000
- Conwy £288,000
- Ceredigion £218,000
- Denbighshire £284,000
- Flintshire £435,000
- Gwynedd £301,000
- Merthyr Tydfil £217,000
- Monmouthshire £217,000
- Neath Port Talbot £362,000
- Newport £346,000
- Pembrokeshire £343,000
- Powys £325,000
- Rhondda Cynon Taf £604,000
- Swansea £676,000
- Torfaen £217,000
- Vale of Glamorgan £335,000
- Wrexham £368,000
6/4/09
Henson the Hedgehog recently had a big surprise for a pupil at Rhos Primary School Pontardawe.
 |
Megan receives her prize from Henson and
Headteacher Ceri Roberts |
When Megan Johnson joined her fellow pupils for school assembly she had no idea she was about to be the star attraction of the morning.
Henson had arrived to present her with a new bike for winning a special road safety competition which had been run by Neath Port Talbot Council's Road Safety Team.
By the end of 2008 the road safety team and Henson had visited every school in the borough with the Gregory Brothers and their fast moving interactive production aimed at raising awareness of various road safety issues.
Over 12,000 pupils saw the production during the eight week tour and every pupil had the opportunity to enter a competition based on the Green Cross Code.
The winner, Megan, was independently selected and was thrilled to get her prize from Henson.
Environment directorate spokesman for street care and highway services, Councillor Arwyn Woolcock said: "I would like to congratulate Megan on her win. All the pupils who entered the competition are to be commended for their hard work. The production was very exciting for our authority, offering a tailor-made opportunity to provide all primary aged pupils a new way of receiving road safety and environment issues through a fun-packed show fronted by the Gregory Brothers"
1/4/09
Plans to expand and improve transport for pupils and students across Wales have been unveiled today with the publication of guidance for local authorities by the Welsh Assembly Government. The Minister for Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, said the guidance that will help local authorities manage learner travel arrangements was another key step for the Learner Travel Measure.
The Measure, which came into law in December, expands access to free school transport for primary school children, improves safety and provides clarity over the provision of free school transport in Wales.
It also places a duty on local authorities to promote access to Welsh Medium Education and helps them make and manage learner travel arrangements in their areas.
The guidance, published today, provides information to local authorities on how they should plan and organise learner travel in Wales as well as how they can change the start and finish times of school session to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of travel arrangements and reduce congestion around school closing and opening times.
Mr Jones said:
We believe travel should not be a barrier to children and young people participating in education. Efficient and effective transportation can improve access to education and reduce road congestion.
The next stage for the Measure is to develop an All-Wales Behavioural code for everyone using transport when travelling to and from their place of learning.
This is planned to come into force from January 2010 and a first draft of the code will be published for consultation in May this year.
31/3/09
A Vale of Glamorgan primary school has achieved a record-equalling third success in the area’s annual road safety quiz competition. Llansannor Church in Wales school, near Cowbridge, followed up wins in 1999 and last year to retain their title with a nailbiting last question win over Llanfair in another keenly-contested final at the Barry YMCA Hub. The other three times winners, Evenlode (Penarth), won their titles in successive years from 2004.
With the lead changing hands several times, this year's final was the closest fought for a long time, and the experienced Llansannor team edged out the determined Llanfair quartet by just one point.
The 10-round, ‘Top of the Form’-style final came complete with buzzers for each team member, and individual, team and ‘fingers on buzzers’ questions were all based on pupils’ knowledge of the Young Person’s Highway Code.
The ever popular event for 10 and 11 year olds is organised by the Vale council’s road safety team and this year attracted entries from 37 local schools.
Llansannor received £200 and a magnificent glass trophy, with the runners-up winning £100. Team members from both schools were presented with gift vouchers and commemorative plaques. Using ‘Qwizdom,’ the latest electronic technology and remote control keypads, teams faced three sections of multiple choice questions in the qualifying rounds, with a written question decider. Llansannor and Llanfair emerged as finalists with 50 and 48 points respectively, while other leading schools were Murch (Dinas Powys, 47), 2007 champions Pendoylan (46) and Eagleswell (Llantwit Major, 45.5)
The event aims to make pupils more safety conscious and aware of their responsibilities as pedestrians, cyclists and vehicle passengers in an effort to reduce overall child casualties. Vale council road safety officer John Rogers said: "Once again a big thank you to all the schools who took part in this worthwhile exercise. Win or lose, we hope that all the children enjoyed the experience and managed to take away at least a little more knowledge about road safety. Hopefully, this will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives."
17/3/09
The Minister for Economy and Transport has announced grants of more than £95million to improve roads, develop sustainable transport and encourage walking and cycling across Wales. Under this year’s allocation of Transport Grants to local authorities road schemes receive more than £63million, sustainable transport packages get £21m and £10million has been awarded for walking and cycling projects.
Mr Jones said:
This allocation will support transport schemes throughout Wales – helping us to ensure sustainable development and prosperous communities in every part of our country.
Local Authorities have a key part to play in securing our One Wales goal of a system of Integrated Transport, fit for the 21st century, which both unites our nation and delivers on our plans for reductions in carbon emissions.
I am also pleased to announce funding of £10 million walking and cycling projects and the ‘Safe Routes in Communities’ initiative. This will contribute to a healthier Wales by making walking and cycling a greener and safer option for the whole community.
Amongst the road schemes to receive grants are the Church Village Bypass scheme in Rhondda Cynon Taf, the Ceredigion Link Road and the Peripheral Distributor road in Neath Port Talbot.
The Cardiff Sustainable Transport Towns scheme receives £6m, Swansea get nearly £6m to improve public transport including development of the Quadrant bus station and the ongoing development of the all Wales Travel Card gets £2m.
More than £10 million has been awarded for projects to improve cycling and walking facilities, including a further £2 million for the continuation of the River Clwyd Coastal scheme and £1.6 million for the development of the Pont-y-Werin pedestrian and cycleway in Cardiff.
Every local authority in Wales has also received some of the £8.134 million awarded for Safe Routes in Communities projects.
13/3/09
Schoolchildren in Ynysybwl had a fun-filled afternoon when they were taught the basic rules of road safety in a special show organised by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Road Safety Unit.
The Gregory Brothers Road Safety Show visited Trerobart Primary School and entertained the pupils with a mixture of songs and comedy through the medium of English and Welsh to bring home the clear message of road safety.
Using large and colourful props, they entertained the youngsters throughout the afternoon. The children had spent three weeks preparing for the visit and had already received posters, CDs and lyric sheets of songs which they learned and performed on the day.
The show covers general road safety rules, including traffic awareness, importance of colours, stop, look, listen and think, crossing the road safely and the importance of cycle helmets.
The Gregory Brothers Road Safety Show is running for two weeks and will visit 20 primary and junior schools throughout the county borough, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Customer Care Cllr Andrew Morgan said: “This just one of the theatre productions visiting various schools throughout the year to teach important road safety lessons in a fun and memorable way.
“With the increased amount of traffic on our roads it is imperative that children learn the rules of the road as young as possible so they can become aware of the potential dangers than face them.”
11/3/09
Cardiff has been selected to become Wales' first "sustainable travel town" by the Assembly Government. The £28.5m scheme aims to provide free cycle hire, bus travel around the city centre, and improved bike and walking routes.
The city will receive the funding from the government and the county council over the next two years.
The money will pay for improvements to public transport, including a new park and ride facility.
If the scheme is successful, it could be repeated in other areas of Wales.
The plans will see free circular bus shuttles introduced in the city centre, a free bike hire scheme, new park and ride facilities in Pentwyn to serve the east side of the city and measures to tackle congestion.
The money also gives the go-ahead for the Pont-y-Werin pedestrian and cycle bridge across the Ely river between Cardiff's sports village and Penarth.
The council hopes to include further phases once the initial two-year plan is complete.
Scheme Highlights
- Free city centre bus shuttle service
- A new park and ride facility at Pentwyn
- Improved cycling and walking routes
- Final go-ahead for the Pont-y-Werin pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Ely river between Penarth and the Sports Village
The initiative will see £14.5m from the Welsh Assembly Government and £14m from Cardiff Council, initially for two years but the council hope to include further phases after that.
Announcing the money, the transport minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said: "Commuter levels in and around Cardiff have increased significantly over the past few years.
"This is an exciting opportunity to develop and implement a range of innovative transport solutions which will benefit the 210,000 people who travel into the city on a daily basis.
"This scheme will also support our physical activity action plan, which is currently being developed."
Improvements to the infrastructure will include better bus lanes and the future pedestrianisation of High Street and Mary Street. There will also be incentives to travel sustainably, car clubs, journey sharing schemes and free bike hire.
Jane Davidson, minister for the environment and sustainability, called the scheme a "win-win situation" for health and congestion, with increased bus and cycle use and fewer cars on the road.
"We have become far too reliant on using the car and we need to consider alternative, greener ways to travel," she said.
The scheme is backed by sustainable travel charity Sustrans Cymru.
Director Lee Waters said: "Thirty years ago Copenhagen had the same levels of cycling that Cardiff has today. Now, over a third of all commuting journeys in the Danish capital are by bike. Cardiff has the potential to achieve the same. With a joined-up approach, we can encourage people to use their cars less and chose to travel in ways which benefit their health and the environment."
9/3/09
Supported by
The annual Welsh Road Safety Awards recognise the good road safety practice, innovative projects and personal contributions being undertaken in Wales. The Award Scheme publicises and raises awareness of the contributions towards road casualty reduction targets.
Nominations should be submitted on the attached form, (accompanied by any relevant supporting material) no later than Friday 21 August 2009. The Award winners will be invited to receive their Award at the Road Safety Wales Conference dinner on Monday 28 September at the Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon. Award winners will receive £100 and a souvenir gift.
Download the Nomination Form here
Please return this form by Friday 21 August 2009 to:
Road Safety Wales, RoSPA, 2 Cwrt-y-Parc, Llanishen, Cardiff CF14 5GH
Fax: 029 2025 0601 E-mail: jbibby@rospa.com
9/3/09
In February 2009 Swansea Road Safety Team once again took part in the two day Special Needs Crucial Crew programme at Morriston fire station.
The Crucial Crew program unites many groups and outside agencies across Swansea to offer advice and information to hundred of pupils. These include the fire brigade, the police, the Red Cross and 'Info-nation' who offered advice on safe computer use for youngsters.
Under the stewardship of Mrs Doreen Vanstone, this event and that larger summer programme have grown steadily and this year incorporated a domestic abuse stand. The age range of the pupils is very diverse from year 4 primary up to 16+ and Swansea College.
Road safety focussed on 'Be Safe Be Seen', which highlights the importance of wearing light and bright clothing as well as fluorescent and reflective accessories when using roads and streets in the dark. This is particularly relevant to school children who make their way to school in the early winter mornings and early evenings.
To get this point across a darkened tent was decorated with ultra violet paint and a range of fluorescent and reflective resources. The pupils were fascinated to discover the secret road safety messages written on the walls and had great fun playing with the high visibility gear and movement and sound triggered light box.
The event was again a great success and gave the road safety team the opportunity to spread the 'Be Safe Be Seen' message in a fun and imaginative way.
6/3/09
Helen Rocke, a Kerbcraft volunteer with Carmarthenshire County Council has been recogised as Volunteer of the Year at the recent Transport Awards. Actively involved with road safety for the last three years as a Kerbcraft volunteer, she is married with 3 children, and works part-time for the authority.
Helen has given up one of her spare mornings each week to help train children at her local school in Llangunnor, Carmarthen. Not only does she train the children, she also recruits other volunteers to help her run the scheme, some of which are now interested in undertaking more work for the Road Safety Unit as safe cycling instructors. Helen is also heavily involved in other fundraising activities and is a volunteer at her local Sunday school.
Kerbcraft Co-ordinator Tracey Lewis said, “Without Helen’s contribution to road safety at Llangunnor school, it would have been unlikely that the children at the school would have benefited from this important road safety training”
5/3/09
To promote the anti drinking and driving message, schools and youth organisations are invited to devise, perform and record a live action multimedia presentation that will warn people of the dangers and/or consequences of drinking and driving.
Competition guidelines:
1. There should be a maximum of 6 performers.
2. Team members must be aged between 11 and 25.
3. The presentation should be under 3 minutes in length and can use a range of media including any of the following:
• Musical performance
• Drama/Sketch
• Poetry/Oration
• Animation
• Documentary
• Comedy
• Dance
4. The presentation must be filmed and submitted on video or DVD with contact details provided.
5. The presentation will be judged under the following criteria (not in priority):
a. Originality
b. Message
c. Performance
d. Impact
The winning entry for each County will receive prizes from their local authority. The winning entry will then be submitted to the Regional Competition. Winners of the Regional Competition will receive £500 for the school/organisation they represent and individual team prizes. Nationally, the four Regional winning entries will be invited to receive their prize and give the presentation at the All Wales Drink Drive launch in Caernarfon on Thursday 3 December (all expenses will be covered).
Judging for the national competition will take place on Monday 9 November 2009.
Interested groups can contact their Road Safety Officer click here
To view 2008 competition entries click here
3/3/09
The road safety team joined up with the FA Cup Trophy tour when it rolled into the Liberty Stadium in Swansea on Friday the 6th of February 2009. Swansea City's great run in the FA Cup this year prompted the visit by the trophy tour team.
Excited pupils from Manselton, Pontarddulais, Craigcefnparc, Pentrepoeth, Gwyosydd and Llanmorlais primary schools had the chance to tour the FA Cup exhibition, take part in the football activities, film their own unique goal celebration and have their photo taken with the FA Cup!
Due to the excellent relationship between Swansea City Football Club and the Road Safety Team, this occasion provided an opportunity to remind everybody to be safe when using our roads.
Road Safety hero Rocky the Rooster and the team took part in the football activates and gave out goody bags to the young football enthusiasts.
The day was a great success and the presence of the Road Safety team was greatly appreciated by both Swansea City AFC and the FA Trophy tour team.
26/2/09
The Minister with responsibility for road safety reinforced the Government’s commitment to reducing deaths and injuries on Britain's roads when he spoke at RoSPA's Road Safety Congress yesterday.
Jim Fitzpatrick MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, addressed 250 delegates in Blackpool on the final day of the 74th annual conference.
In 2007, road deaths in Britain fell below 3,000 for the first time since records began more than 80 years ago.
Mr Fitzpatrick thanked road safety professionals for the part they have played in reducing the figures, but his speech also highlighted the need to guard against complacency. He underlined the Government's commitment to further improving the safety of all groups of road users, including through the Department for Transport's consultation on road safety compliance, which closes on Friday.
The overriding theme of the three-day conference - entitled Road Safety: What Have We Learnt? - was how lessons of the past can inform road casualty reduction strategies of the future. The event, sponsored by Britax Excelsior Ltd, was held at a crucial time as the Government's current road safety strategy nears its end in 2010, and the next strategy is under development.
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA head of road safety, said: “In 2007, 2,946 people were killed on Britain’s roads. While this figure was the lowest since records began, there is, as the Minister says, no room for complacency. Too many families across the country continue to experience the pain and suffering that road accidents cause.
“By sharing information about road safety interventions that have worked in the past and laying the foundations for future strategies, the ultimate aim of this congress is the continued reduction of road deaths and injuries.”
75th Road Safety Congress 2010
If you would like information on next year's Road Safety Congress event, please click the button below to register your interest.
12/2/09
An exciting development took place recently for the winners of the Gwent Road Safety Music Challenge 2008. Part of their prize was the opportunity to visit a recording studio (Solar Studios, Blackwood) and record their winning song live, and for it to be played on Nation Radio.
The winners were from Abertillery Comprehensive School and their band was called “The Really Wild” with a song entitled “The Drunken Journey” The members of the band are:-
Michael Edwards – Drums
Jordan Bool – Bass guitar and trombone 
Alexandra Jones – Saxophone
Josh Fish – Cornet
Matthew Westcott – Guitar
Alexander Read – Guitar
Lauran Hodges – Vocals
Eleanor Phillips - Vocals
In December two members of the band Alex Jones and Lauren Hodges travelled to Caernarfon to take part in the All Wales Anti Drink-Drive Christmas Launch. They received a prize of £500 for being selected as Gwent winners in the Road Safety Wales Multimedia Competition which they hope to put towards new electronic equipment for the Music Department at their School.
Gwent’s Road Safety Music Challenge 2009 and the Multimedia Competition is already being prepared and all young people from 11-25 are invited to take part, whether through their school, youth group, church group or sports group.
6/2/09
The latest National Statistics on ‘Road Casualties in Wales: Quarterly Provisional Estimates 3rd Quarter 2008,’ produced by the Welsh Assembly Government were published on 5 February 2009 according to the arrangements approved by the UK Statistics Authority.
This is the third time the Welsh Assembly Government has published quarterly road casualties data.
The Release
Statistical Release 16/2009 (PDF 225kB)
The key points from this release are:
- 45 road casualties were reported as killed
- 309 were reported as seriously injured, and
- 2,459 as slightly injured
- The number of total KSI casualties over this period, at 1,404 people, was 1 per cent higher than the previous 12 month period and 30 per cent lower than the average for 1994-98.
- The number of child KSI casualties over this period, at 111 children, was 28 per cent lower than the previous 12 month period and 62 per cent lower than the average for 1994-98.
Contact:
Tel: 029 2082 5062
E-mail: stats.transport@wales.gsi.gov.uk
29/1/09
An award-winning theatrical show that educates children on road safety and recycling has made its premiere in the Vale at a local primary school.
The Gregory Brothers, fronted by brothers Adrian and Paul Gregory, delivered the 45-minute show to Holton Primary School children and staff on 8 January, with the help of their life-size mascot friends ‘Gari Gosafe’, the road safety dragon, and ‘Eco Eli’, the recycling elephant.
The performance was part of an initial three-week tour of Vale primary schools, organised by the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s waste management & cleansing and road safety teams, and combined information on road safety and recycling with music, entertainment and lots of fun.
Cabinet member for visible and building services, Geoff Cox, attended the show at Holton Primary School. He said: “The show was clearly very popular, highlighting some key messages in an entertaining way.
“Children were reminded of the importance of crossing the road safely and remembering to wear seatbelts, scooping the poop after pet dogs and to reduce, reuse and recycle - to name but a few. Judging by the children’s reaction, the Gregory Brothers have successfully managed to reinforce and teach life-saving and environmental messages clearly.”
The brothers have since taken their colourful show to a number of other junior, primary and special schools in the Vale, with each school receiving a copy of the Gregory Brothers’ CD before the visit to use as an educational resource.
Julie Mahoney, acting deputy head at Oakfield Primary School, said: “Even before the show started the children were enthralled. The quality of the set was excellent; they had props for every occasion and included a range of pupils in the songs and a lively question and answer session.”
Mrs. Bispham, head of Sully Primary School added: “I would highly recommend the show; important messages were presented in a bright and exciting way. I am sure the children will remember the messages because the show was so memorable.”
The Gregory Brothers’ first tour finishes on 28 January, but they will return to the Vale in the spring for the second part of their tour. The show is available in both English and Welsh.
If your school would like to request a free performance by the Gregory Brothers, please contact John Rogers in the road safety team on 01446 704773.
20/1/09
Pontardawe lollipop man George Bateman has been recognised as ‘Top of the Lollipops’ in Wales following Kwik Fit Insurance’s annual search for the UK’s Lollipop Person of the Year.
The Kwik Fit Insurance Lollipop Person of the Year Awards launched recently with the help of TV star Lorraine Kelly. Now in their fifth year, the awards have once again been hailed a huge success with over 15,000 nominations flooding in from primary school pupils, teachers, school councils, parents and members of the community right across the UK.
Despite tough competition, George (84) scooped the regional prize for Wales winning £500 in travel vouchers for himself, not to mention £100 in book vouchers for his school and a specially engraved silver trophy in the shape of a lollipop.
George, who is employed by Neath Port Talbot Road Safety Team has patrolled outside Ysgol Gymraeg in Pontardawe, for 14 years, is delighted to have been recognised in the awards, where many of the pupil entries for him showed great creativity including poems, paintings and drawings endorsing his good work.
George said: “I am amazed at the number and quality of votes made by pupils, parents and teachers alike. Ysgol Gymraeg has put great effort into nominating me and simply for the job that I do everyday. I love the job - it’s wonderful to see the children growing up. I’m thrilled to be recognised as the best patroller in Wales.
“It’s a serious responsibility making sure the children get to school safely and part of my job is to gain the children’s trust and respect. It’s nice to hear that the children think a lot of me.”
Myfanwy Rees, Headteacher at Ysgol Gymraeg, added: “Our pupils put tremendous effort into nominating George for this award so it’s brilliant to see their hard work rewarded in this way.
“Everyone at the school loves George. He lost his wife last year and we feared that he might not come back to work. Of course, we were all delighted when he did. George is a wonderful lollipop man. He does a fantastic job looking after our pupils and is a very important member of our school family.”
Bert Main, Business Development Director of Kwik Fit Insurance, said: "The Lollipop Person of the Year Awards initiative started in 2003 to mark the 50th anniversary of the launch of crossing patrollers. Road safety is at the heart of our business and we’ve built on this initiative year-on-year. It’s great to reward the vital role that our crossing patrollers play in their local communities, ensuring our children can walk and cycle to school in safety.
“Lorraine Kelly launched the awards in September this year and the number of entries made in that short space of time has been absolutely phenomenal. This is the first time we have rolled it out to the rest of the UK and the standard of entries has been exceptional. George is highly regarded by pupils and staff alike and he certainly got our vote too. We’re delighted to announce him as the top lollipop in Wales.”
Schools were invited to make nominations both manually and electronically online. Many schools adopted the initiative as a special project to ensure their patroller was recognised in the competition. Entries ranged from poems, photos, press cuttings, paintings and raps about their favourite lollipop person. Some schools even made online submissions with short films on why their lollipop person is the best.
The initiative is supported by Brake, the UK road safety charity, and is part of an ongoing programme of road safety initiatives from Kwik Fit Insurance. Children’s footwear specialist Buckle My Shoe has also donated prizes for the winning schools.
For further information on Kwik Fit Insurance’s Lollipop Person of the Year Awards 2008, please log onto www.bestlollipop.co.uk.
19/1/09
In 2008 the Multimedia Anti Drink Drive Competition replaced the annual poster competition. To promote the anti drinking and driving message, schools and youth organisations were invited to devise, perform and record a live action multimedia presentation to warn people of the dangers and/or consequences of drinking and driving.
The winning entry for each region was presented with a prize of £500 for the school/organisation they represented and additional prizes were awarded to individual team members by Ieuan Wyn Jones, Deputy First Minister and Minster for the Economy and Transport, at the All Wales Drink Drive launch at the Celtic Royal Hotel, Caernarfon, on Thursday 27 November.
| Region |
Winner |
Highly Commended |
| North Wales |
Jack Cowley and Jordan O’Brien
Saltney Youth Centre, Flintshire |
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Castell Alun High School, Flintshire |
 |
| Dyfed Powys |
Troedrhiwdalar Young Farmers Club, Powys |
 |
Tom Van Hamer, Aman Valley Comprehensive, Carmarthenshire |
 |
| Gwent |
The Really Wild, Abertillery Comprehensive, Blaenau Gwent |
 |
Llantarnam High School, Torfaen |
 |
| South Wales |
Birchgrove Comprehensive, Swansea |
 |
Mountain Ash Comprehensive, Rhondda Cynon Taf |
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Click on the above video thumbnails above to see each competition entry.
The videos are large in file size, we recommend a broadband connection for best playback.
14/1/09
A dedicated school crossing patrol will be leaving her lollipop at home to rub shoulders with Gordon Brown. Denise Cummings, 61, a lollipop lady for Herbert Thompson Primary School, in Plymouthwood Road, Ely, Cardiff, has been invited to 10 Downing Street for a special community reception.
The grandmother of three was invited to the event alongside other people who make a difference in their communities after being nominated by Cardiff West MP, Kevin Brennan.
She said: “I feel sick – I’m not just nervous, I’m petrified! But it is great to be nominated because it’s not just for me, I’m representing all the children, mums, dads and grampies in Ely.I love my job to bits. I wouldn’t do anything else. If they told me they couldn’t pay me, I’d do it anyway voluntarily."
“When they heard I was going to Downing Street, all the children said ‘well done Miss’, but I said ‘no, it’s down to you’ – because if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have a job. I love what I do. It’s fantastic to see all their smiles in the morning and hear about what they’ve done in the holidays. And when they’ve left school, they come back and tell me what they’re doing. It’s great.”
The lollipop legend, was named Road Safety Wales’ School Crossing Patrol of the Year in 2008.
Denise will be accompanied to Downing Street by her husband Rob, and Mr Brennan, who plans to tell the Prime Minister about the valuable contribution she had made to families in Ely.
He said: “Mrs Cummings is a very popular and much loved person within Ely and she fully deserves this recognition for everything she has done within the community.
“I have spoken to a number of people within my constituency, who all speak very highly of the work Mrs Cummings has carried out over years and continues to carry out to this day.”
13/1/09
A young artist from Darran Las Primary School in Mountain Ash is slowing speeding traffic in her own community. The pupil won first prize in a ‘Design a Sign’ competition as part of the Darran Las Safe Routes to School - 20mph ‘Gateway’ signing.
Children were given the task of designing a sign that would convey to drivers that they would be entering a 20mph zone and they would need to slow down. The signs had to be innovative, colourful and to big, bold letters.
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Cllr Andrew Morgan with the winner Teale Garland
at Darran Las Primary |
The winner was Teale Garland who received a £15 gift token and a framed copy of her own award-winning sign that will be placed on each sign on Llanwonno Road. A copy was also presented to the school for display.
Second prize of £10 token was presented to Kathryn Hall and the third prize of £5 to Katie Manning.
The Council’s Cabinet Member for Transportation and Customer Care Cllr Andrew Morgan presented the awards. He said: “All of the designs we received for the competition were brilliant and it was a great way to introduce road safety to the children at Darran Las.
“It is vital that children and young people are made aware of road safety as soon as possible and innovative methods like this help to give the information and guidance needed to stay safe on the roads.”
“The fact that the signs have been designed by children themselves should also impress upon drivers the importance of driving safely near the school and within the legal speed limits”.
The Safe Routes to School design consists of road humps, 20mph ‘Gateway’ signing, one way system, parking restrictions at junctions and school keep clear markings, tactile paving crossing points and additional parking bays.
Traffic calming measures were introduced to improve safety for children at Darran Las School following extensive community consultation, following three minor accidents in recent years in the Darran Las area and there was overwhelming public support for the scheme.
12/1/09
Youngsters from schools across Swansea have been getting the road safety message across to their peers.
As part of a competition to mark this week's launch of Swansea's very first Junior Road Safety Officers Club newsletter, pupils were invited to send in their Road Safety work, the best of which would be published in the first newsletter.
Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, John Hague said, "The entries received were varied, from assembly reports, news bulletins, pictures, jokes, safety warnings to drivers and reports on a visit from Road Safety mascot Rocky the Rooster."
Work by 34 pupils from ten primary schools were chosen as winners; YGG Bryn-y-mor, Cadle, Clase, Clwyd, Dunvant, Manselton, Oystermouth, Pontarddulais,Terrace Road, Waunarlwydd.
The Junior Road Safety Officer (JRSO) scheme was first launched in Wales in Swansea, and is aimed at helping youngsters understand how to keep safe on the road.
The scheme empowers pupils themselves to highlight road safety issues within their school, with Junior Road Safety Officers raising awareness amongst other pupils, teachers and their community, while maintaining links with their local Road Safety Team.
Year Six tutor at Pontardulais Primary School, Rhian Thomas, said, "Our Junior Road Safety Officers really take their role seriously and are very keen. They have lots of ideas on how to raise awareness among their fellow pupils, and are currently talking about organising a Flourescent Day, as well as having plans for a fashion show."
There are currently 117 Junior Road Safety Officers across 35 participating schools. The officers are encouraged to be active in their own schools, promoting road safety through assemblies, competitions, games and a variety of campaigns.
Tom Edwards from Swansea Council's Road Safety Team said, "The standard of entries were very high and we were very pleased with the effort of the officers who are indeed leaders and role models in their own right."
All winning pupils will receive their own copy of the newsletter as well as gift vouchers. Each winning school will receive a newsletter for public display as well as a framed copy of the work from their pupils.
7/1/09
A popular woman, who has roles outside and inside a Llantwit Major primary school, is stepping out as winner of this year's Vale of Glamorgan Council School Crossing Patrol of the Year award.
One of four area winners last year, Alison Richardson (Eagleswell school) was presented with her award by cabinet member for planning and transportation Cllr Jeffrey James who said: "Alison has made a magnificent contribution during her four years working for the council and promotes the road safety message through her roles as a crossing patrol officer, dinner lady and junior road safety officer co-ordinator. She is well loved by the children, parents and teachers and promotes road safety whenever she can."
It is the third time in four years that the award has gone to Llantwit Major, with previous winners being Sheila Allen (St Illtyd, 2005) and Alex Daw (Ham Lane, 2007).
Area winners were:
Llantwit Major, St Athan and Rhws - Karin Williams, a junior road safety officer champion who is very pro-active with road safety initiatives at Rhws Primary School.
Barry West (Buttrills, High Street and Romilly areas) - Martin Morris who, although in post just under 18 months, is a regular 'fixture' assisting older children at Colcot Road pedestrian lights.
Barry East (Cadoxton, Colcot and Holton areas) - Huw Adams who, after starting with the Vale in 2007, has already made a big impression on children he assists on a very busy road outside Jenner Park Primary School.
Penarth, Sully and Dinas Powys - Joan Griffiths who started work as a school crossing patrol back in 1977 and, after 31 years, is still going strong at Murch Road, Dinas Powys.
After a light-hearted quiz and buffet hosted by the Vale council road safety unit, Cllr James thanked the dedicated 'lollipop' men and women for all their hard work in providing "this important service." Cllr James said: "I am delighted to be able to support an annual event which recognises the continuing high standards achieved by our school crossing patrol officers."
He added: "Because you perform your duties in such a professional manner, it is only when you are not there that the importance of your role and the number of people who rely on you daily is realised.
"Despite the seemingly increasing traffic issues and conflicts on our roads, the hard work of each of you helps ensure that we maintain an excellent safety record in the Vale. It is something of which you should all be very proud, and for which you all deserve lots of praise."
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