Welcome to Road Safety Wales
12/6/08
Around 60 pupils from Tavernspite CP School have taken part in a Walk to School event during National Walk to School Week. The Walk was organised by the school’s Junior Road Safety Officers supported by officers from Pembrokeshire County Council’s Road Safety Unit.
The annual event was held by the school to encourage the children to be less dependent on the car and reduce the traffic congestion outside the school gates.
The Walk to School is just one of the many actions pupils from Tavernspite are undertaking as part of their school travel plan, to help promote the use of more sustainable transport and improve the road safety environment surrounding the school.
Tavernspite Garden Centre kindly allowed the children to meet in their car park before walking to school together.
County Councillor Jamie Adams, Cabinet Member for Highways and Planning, who was unable to attend, said afterwards: "I am encouraged by the effort of the whole school community, especially their enthusiasm in tackling the growing problem of congestion that is faced by many of the schools in Pembrokeshire today.”
4/6/08
The number of child pedestrians in Swansea involved in road accidents when walking to or from school has dropped by more than half since 1998. Swansea Council has released new accident statistics highlighting the reduction in accidents and say it is down to traffic calming initiatives and better education for children under 15.
The average number of school hildren involved in accidents between 1994 and 1998 was 53. The latest figures show this figure has dropped to 22.
Further improvements show there has been a reduction in the number of children under 15 involved in accidents including those traveling in a vehicle. The average number between 1994 and 1998 was 165. That figure has now dropped to 109.
Money received by the Council as part of the annual Road Safety Grant and Safe Routes in Communities initiatives is ploughed into traffic calming schemes throughout Swansea. Twenty mile-an-hour zones and pedestrian crossings have been implemented at many schools in recent years. The Council has also highlighted its intention to create safe 20mph zones near every school if funding is available.
Jeff Green, Casualty Reduction Officer in Swansea Council, said. "The efforts to introduce traffic calming measures and spread the message of road safety in schools is clearly having a positive impact.
"Creating safe walking routes to and from local schools is essential in helping to encourage more children and parents to walk to school. We think that the reduction in accidents involving schoolchildren proves we are providing safer environments.
It's vital that we continue this work for the benefit of everyone in the community."
Oystermouth Primary School is one of the latest schools to benefit from the work to create better walking routes. New pedestrian crossings at a busy junction near the school, along with the introduction of a 20mph speed limit, have helped encourage children to walk to school. To celebrate the completion of the scheme, the school organised a walking bus involving dozens of pupils walking together to school.
Allison Gough, the Council's Safe Routes in Communities Officer, said, "The school has been very proactive in its approach to road safety."
A record nine schools were successful in obtaining Safe Routes in Communities funding this year as part of the annual Transport Grant settlement. The schools included are Pentrepoeth, Crwys, Hafod, Knelston, Mayals, Plasmarl, Bishopston, Manselton and Penyrheol Primary Schools.
3/6/08
Henson the Hedgehog has been leading the way in the fight against school run pollution. As part of National Walk to School week, the Neath Port Talbot Council County Borough Council's Road Safety Team mascot has been joining the pupils from five primary schools on their walking buses.
Blaengwrach school pupils taking part in Walk to School Week 2008
Cabinet member for streetcare and highway services councillor Arwyn Woolcock said the morning run is one of the most polluting journeys made by motorists.
He said: "Many of the environmental problems we are faced with are caused by people taking short car journeys.
"The National Walk to School campaign helps focus attention on the importance of using alternative methods of transport to school to make our county borough a safer, healthier place to live."
Cars produce more pollution on short journeys due to the engine being cold and the need to stop and start because of traffic congestion.
Research suggests that worryingly, the levels of pollution in a car are at least three times higher than on the pavement at the side of the street.
"Traffic congestion and parking problems at schools have become a major issue in recent years and it was great to see so much support for the campaign," added councillor Woolcock.
"In total Neath Port Talbot ten schools regularly run walking buses to encourage more of parents to ditch their cars.
"Walking is better for everyone and I am looking forward to seeing more schools adopting the practice of walking buses and alternative transport schemes in the future."
23/5/08
On Wednesday 21st May 2008, a Kerbcraft event took place in the Lord Mayors Reception Room, the Guildhall Swansea.
The presentation was arranged in recognition of the childrens’ efforts in a colouring competition and also an opportunity to share the good news of Kerbcraft in Swansea. An array of people attended, including Councillors, Head Teachers, Teachers, Mums, Dads and Volunteer Trainers.
The Child Pedestrian Co-ordinator, Anna Matthews welcomed everyone to the presentation.
Anna spoke about the success of Kerbcraft in Swansea. The scheme is currently taking place in 9 schools, with a total of 347 children receiving training.
Anna talked about the 3 main reasons, why she thinks Kerbcraft is such a success.
Firstly, due to the fact that each of the nine schools have embraced the scheme, by welcoming Anna and the Volunteers into the school each week. Kerbcraft has become embedded in the ethos and fabric of the school.
Secondly, the children are so enthusiastic and eager about going out on their Kerbcraft session each week.
Thirdly, The Volunteers, Anna gave recognition to the dedication and commitment of all the volunteers, explaining that Kerbcraft would not succeed without their support.
A brief video was shown which mirrored a day in the life of Kerbcraft in Swansea.
The 33 children who were invited along to the event as finalists, waited in anticipation to see who would scope the 1st Prize. Laura Hughes-Dowdle a pupil from Crwys Primary School had plenty to smile about when she was called up to receive a prize as the overall winner of all 9 schools.
The event was a great success; the children were delighted with their prizes and thoroughly enjoyed the magic show at the end of the morning.
22/5/08
On Wednesday 21st May over 50 children from St. Helen’s Junior School, Barry participated in their first ever walking bus. This event was organised to coincide with National Walk to School Week.
The children met up at St. Helen’s Infant School which is located in the centre of town and set off up Ty-Newydd hill to the Junior School. Despite the walk up the hill all of the children thoroughly enjoyed their early morning stroll and are keen to repeat the experience.
Headteacher Mr. Gavin Russ was pleased with the turn out. “It was a great success and we hope to make this a regular monthly event. Thank you very much to all staff and parents who participated in the walk today.”
9/5/08
Pedestrians will have an easier time crossing a busy city centre road thanks to improvement works by Swansea Council. Seven modern pedestrian crossing points have been installed as part of the major improvement works along West Way and Oystermouth Road.
The new crossings will give pedestrians better access to the Quadrant Bus Station and the newly constructed Metro stops on West Way as well as improved access between the Kingsway and St Helen's Road.
The Council has invested millions in transport grant funding in a bid to improve public transport and beat congestion problems in the city centre.
The works include the construction of a dedicated bus lane along the Kingsway and out along Oystermouth Road. Further works now include the closing of the underpass on West Way.
Geoff Sheel, Interim Head of Transportation in Swansea Council, said, "The focus of the works has been to improve public transport in the city centre and provide better access for pedestrians.
"The newly installed crossing points provide safe access along the entire length of West Way for all pedestrians."
Transport operators in Swansea have already sung the praises of the Council for the work which they say has enabled them to run faster and more efficient services.
22/4/08
Pupils walking to and from three schools in Bonymaen will be safer following the completion of a traffic calming scheme nearby.
Swansea Council has confirmed the completion of the scheme which includes a new 20mph zone along Jersey Road. The schools benefiting from the safety measures include, Pentrechwyth Primary, Cwm Primary and St Illtyds RC Primary School.
Amanda Taylor, Head teacher of Cwm Primary School, said, "We've already identified an issue with motorists speeding along this route.
"The traffic calming scheme devised by the Council has been a great benefit in terms of the safety of of children in the community. I'm delighted the scheme has succeeded in slowing down motorists."
Geoff Sheel, Interim Head of Transportation in Swansea Council, said, "We have previously introduced some 20mph speed limits along some roads in the area. The completion of these latest works along Jersey Road will significantly enhance the safety for pupils choosing to walk to and from school along this route."
Streets in the nearby area already benefiting from the lower speed limits include Bonymaen Road, Cwm Chapel Road, Mansel Road, Carreg Cennen Gardens and Pentrechwyth Road
Mr Sheel added, "Our ongoing work to create 20mph zones and speed limits around schools is an important part of our efforts to create safe environments for children who may be walking to school.
"These measures along with good road safety education in our schools have helped reduce child casualties in Swansea by 30 percent in the last 10 years."
Previous schools and communities to benefit from these works include Dunvant Primary, Manselton Primary and the newly built St Thomas Community School.
17/3/08
A original new drama promoting a strong road safety message is currently touring Anglesey's primary schools.
Aimed at children aged 7-9, "Cofia" (Remember) will be seen by hundreds of pupils as the production visits more than 20 schools. The interactive drama focuses children's minds on the importance of road safety, and the various steps to "remember" when crossing the road.
The County Council's Road Safety Team has used drama as a means of getting its message across to youngsters in the past, and found it to be very successful. Cofia is written and directed by Siwan Llynor, and the cast comprises of Manon Dewi, Mared Huws and Gwion Williams.
It tells the story of Beca and Rhys who make their own way home from school after their mum fails to turn up on time. On the journey they get lost, but meet a strange young girl who guides them across the road and home safely. They later learn that it was the spirit of Ema, a young girl hit by a car years earlier.
The Road Safety Team's Bethan Parry said that the pupils' response to the drama had been excellent. She explained, "Cofia is bringing our road safety message home to the pupils in a new and exciting way. The performance is interactive with pupils encouraged to ask questions and join in the performance as the story progresses. Pupils from every primary school on the Island will have an opportunity to see the show which comes to the end of its two week run on Thursday."
Bethan added, "The message is particulary important at this time of year, with the Easter holidays fast approaching, and the long summer nights also meaning that children will be able to stay out playing until later in the evenings. They must always remain vigilant whilst around roads and remember these simple words which are highlighted in the drama - Stop. Look. Listen. Walk."
10/3/08
Keeping to some simple but important rules - that's the message that the Kerbcraft road safety scheme is trying to share with primary school pupils across Gwynedd.
And that was the key message in a specially arranged seminar held recently in Porthmadog to celebrate the joint working between Gwynedd Council and North Wales Police as they work to extend the Kerbcraft road safety scheme to more of the county's primary schools.
Councillor R H Wyn Williams, Gwynedd Council's Senior Environment Portfolio Leader said:
"The children of today are the drivers of tomorrow, and it is essential that we give our young people the best possible advice about the dangers that exist on the roads. I am delighted that Gwynedd Council's Road Safety team is working with the North Wales Police to spread this important message to children throughout the county.
"This seminar has been an opportunity for us to come together to celebrate what has already been achieved as part of the scheme, and to reaffirm our commitment to work with our partners to teach Gwynedd's children about the rules of the road."
As part of the Kerbcraft scheme, children learn about the rules of the road, such as choosing a safe place to cross the road and learning how to cross the road at a junction. At the Porthmadog seminar, pupils from Ysgol y Gorlan, Tremadog, had a chance to show off the skills that they have already learnt as part of their practical lessons.
25/1/08
A woman, who uses two working roles with the Vale of Glamorgan Council to promote the road safety message to youngsters, has won the authority's School Crossing Patrol of the Year Award.
In her quiet and unassuming way, Alex Daw has helped children cross the busy Ham Lane East outside Llantwit Major Comprehensive School and Llanilltud Fawr Primary School for nearly five years. And she also works as a dinner lady.
"A deserved winner," said Cllr Chris Williams, Vale cabinet member for planning and transportation, who hosted the annual awards ceremony that recognises the continuing high standards achieved by "lollipop ladies and gentlemen." Thanking the "dedicated members of the service" for their work, Cllr Williams said: "I'm sure we are all aware of the importance and, indeed, the difficulties of their daily duties in ensuring the safety of the thousands of pedestrians crossing roads across the Vale.
"Despite enduring the worst of weather at times, and the unpredictable behaviour of motorists, they carry out this role with an enviable professionalism and always a smile."
4/1/08
New high visibility road crossings in Penarth show the way forward for road safety in the Vale of Glamorgan. Featuring a new style of illuminated Belisha Beacon poles, the zebra crossing installed by the Vale of Glamorgan Council on Redlands Road near the junction with Cornerswell Road replaces the old crossing and improves safety for local schoolchildren and residents.
Pupils from St Cyres Comprehensive School played a key role in the new crossing's installation after they highlighted the dangers they faced when walking to school. They identified measures in their school travel plan to address some of their concerns, one of which was an upgraded crossing.
Cllr Chris Williams, Vale Council cabinet member for planning and transportation, said: “As a council we are always interested in residents' concerns and it is particularly satisfying to be able to show that we can and do listen to the views of young people in the Vale as well.”
Cllr Williams, who officially opened the crossing (pictured), added: “I am sure that everyone who has seen this crossing, with the new illuminated Belisha Beacon poles, will agree that it is much more visible than the old style posts. The new beacons are particularly effective at this time of year when there is poor daylight during the school start and finish times. This is the first time that they have been used in the Vale and hopefully we will use them on all new crossings in the future."
Elaine Storey, the school crossing patrol officer who has worked at the site for a number of years, has also welcomed the new safer crossing. Elaine said: “I feel so much safer now. The zebra crossing is far less confusing for motorists than the traffic island it has replaced”. The work has been fully funded by the Welsh Assembly Government's Safe Routes to School initiative. The grant of £147,000 has also funded a similar crossing further along Redlands Road near the entrance to the Cowslip estate while a new crossing is also planned for Windsor Road near the Dingle footbridge.
2/11/07
In Neath Port Talbot, over 2000 pupils walked to school with Henson the Hedgehog this October in support of International Walk to School Month. As an incentive, the Road Safety Team ran a competition to find the school with the largest percentage of participating pupils. This year the trophy was awarded to Pontrhydyfen Primary School, from which, a staggering 87% of pupils joined the walk.
Speaking on behalf of the Environment Directorate, Councillor Woolcock the Cabinet Board Spokesperson for Street Care and Highway Services said, "I am delighted with the support shown by schools across the borough. Over 2000 a participant is an immense amount of pupils to be involved in such a worthwhile event. In particular, I would like to congratulate the pupils, parents and staff of Pontrhydyfen Primary School who have made such a fantastic effort and have deservedly taken the trophy for this year."
24/10/07
‘Stay safe in the dark’ is the clear message from the Welsh Assembly Government as the winter nights draw in.
With the clocks going back this weekend, parents are reminded that both darker nights and darker mornings mean children are more vulnerable on our roads as they are less visible to motorists. The Assembly Government urges parents to ensure that their children wear something bright and take extra care when out and about.
Cyclists should also be aware that riding bicycles without the correct lighting is an offence and they should ensure their bike has the correct lights - and that they can be clearly seen by other road users.
Bright fluorescent clothing shows up best during the day, especially in dull or misty weather but doesn’t show up after dark. By night reflective material is best as it shows up in car headlights, reflective tape can be applied to clothing, school bags and equipment.
Drivers are urged to plan their journeys carefully to factor in the time difference as the mornings and evenings get darker earlier and later and to be aware that travel times may take that bit longer.
Traffic Wales the Welsh Assembly Government’s traffic information service has an 0845 telephone hotline number where drivers can speak to a control room operator regarding travel conditions and the amount of traffic currently on the network.
Their website www.traffic-wales.com also offers a free SMS and email alert service if you sign up and register your journey routes and times.
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9/10/07
The school run accounts for a sizeable chunk of rush-hour traffic. It causes congestion, pollution and danger outside most schools.
If more families were able to walk to school occasionally then communities would experience the environmental and health benefits associated with fewer vehicles on the roads in their neighbourhood.
International Walk to School Week is held every October and gives children, parents, teachers and community leaders an opportunity to be part of a global event as they celebrate the many benefits of walking. In 2006, approximately 3 million walkers from 37 countries walked to school together for various reasons - all hoping to create communities that are safe places to walk.
It is hoped that enjoyment through participation in such promoted events will encourage parents and pupils to consider using walking as a more desirable mode of travel to school.
Visit the International Walk to School Website
31/8/07
‘Footprints to the Stars’ is a new scheme set up through partnership working between the Road Safety Unit and Apollo Cinema, Aberafan, Port Talbot. This scheme was set up in order to encourage more children to walk to school, while providing them with an incentive for their effort.
Approximately 5000 children in Neath Port Talbot have been supplied with a card on which there are 30-footprints. If a child walks to school, their teacher signs one of the footprints on the card. When all 30 footprints have been signed, showing they have walked on 30 separate occasions, the card is returned to the Road Safety Unit and the child is given proof of completion and supplied with free entry to the cinema's Sunday Club.
14/6/07
Year 5 pupils at Raglan VC Primary School, were asked recently to recall principles they learnt nearly five years ago.
When the Kerbcraft Scheme was set up in Monmouthshire, these were some of the first children to be trained. At 5 and 6 years of age, the children were shown where to find safer places to cross the road. In the absence of these safer places, they were shown the correct way to cross more safely near parked cars and junctions.
The question was - would they still remember all this five years later? Members of the Road Safety Team, Kerbcraft Volunteers, and of course, the veteran group of Kerbcrafters were put to the test.
The children’s task was to get the grown-ups safely back to base by negotiating a safe route through the village and back to school. Along the route, as well as having to negotiate parked cars and traffic, they also rescued a puppy that rushed out from a garden and was about to run onto the road. Digging deep into the recesses of their mind, they recalled all the principles they had learnt half a lifetime ago; they problem solved, risk assessed and planned their route, arriving safely back at base with the adults in their charge.
Mission accomplished!
4/6/07
To celebrate five successful years of Kerbcraft child pedestrian training, approximately 1500 children from Neath Port Talbot schools recently participated in a 2.5km walk around Margam Country Park. The sponsored walk was lead by Henson Hedgehog, Neath Port Talbot’s road safety mascot.
To date nearly 2,000 local children have participated in the scheme and at a presentation event at Margam Orangery, all 29 schools that have taken part in the scheme were awarded plaques to honour their participation. Find out more about Kerbcraft
21/5/07
Three Heddlu Gwent Police Community Support Officers joined Catherine Levy, Kerbcraft Co-Ordinator for Newport, at St David’s Roman Catholic Primary School to help promote United Nations Global Road Safety Week.
The three officers, PCSOs Lowri James, Jamie Cooper and Si Khan assisted in training children from Class Y1, showing them how to find a safe place to cross the road, how to cross safely at a junction, and how to cross between parked cars when there is no other safe place to cross.
Catherine Levy, who manages the Kerbcraft Scheme in Newport said: “I am delighted to have gained the support of the PCSOs in St David’s Primary School, and hope that they will be able to help me take this worthwhile scheme into other schools in the Newport area. Kerbcraft lays the foundations of basic road safety practices that the children can take through their whole lives.”
11/5/07
The LARSOA campaign of the quarter award for the period January - March 2007 has gone to Swansea's road safety team for its 'human zig zag' campaign.
In the campaign, pupils at St Helens Primary School and members of the city's road safety team formed human road markings to highlight the dangers of parents parking outside the school gates.
The image was used in a poster alongside the slogan 'Would you park on these Zig Zags?' Every school in Swansea received a supply of the poster and a banner to display on guard railings.
Jeff Green, RSO, said: "We hope the poster campaign will highlight the issue and make motorists think twice before parking outside school gates."
