Editor's choice November 2008

Safety On The Roads Campaign

Pupils from two primary schools in Balsall Heath won a competition recently through their artistic skills as part of a campaign for road safety. The competition, which involved Tindal, Clifton and Nelson Mandella primary schools provided the children with the chance to see their designs used throughout Balsall Heath to promote road safety.

The road safety week initiative, which is in its third year, and is a partnership between Balsall Heath Children’s Centre and the Extended Schools Cluster, took place from November 10th – 16th. Brought about through a campaign to promote the introduction of the child car seat law in 2006 the yearly event has continued to campaign to promote the use of car seats and road safety as a whole.

This year a competition to design posters was launched within three local schools prior to the weeklong series of events. The winning posters were then turned into stickers, posters and flyers and circulated to all of the primary schools in Balsall Heath. As well as designing their own posters the children at the three schools were able to help community artist Penny Dixon create road safety banners throughout the week to be displayed outside the entrances to the schools.

Vulnerable

Children are amongst the most vulnerable road users and education is an essential part of getting the road safety message across to children. Road safety education and training is a lifelong learning process that does not begin or end in schools. All road users have a duty to keep children safe and parents have an important role in educating and setting a good example to children.

The Balsall Heath Children’s Centre team also promotes road safety education in partnership with statutory organisations through high profile campaigns, which address national and local issues including, drink/drug driving; seatbelts; speeding; motorcycles and young drivers.

Community Development Coordinator Rhonda Packwood said of the project, “The data showing the amount of road traffic collisions within 350metres of our local schools resulting in a child casualty is disturbing. It has been good to see this project grow and I believe we can make a difference to child safety in the area by working together with other agencies. Parents/Carers are welcome to contact me at Balsall Heath Children’s Centre if they would like advice or information on child safety.”

Speaking Out

Parents of children at Balsall Heath primary schools and nurseries know of the constant vigilance that is needed when travelling to and from their local schools. “It’s terrible, especially at home time. It’s not at all safe for children or parents”, said Mrs Shamin Akhtar. Parent Mrs Shabina Begum said, “Local people should walk! Cars are parked in silly places. They should take more care of people walking”.

Sergeant Hanif Ullah said “ We are working closely with Balsall Heath Children’s Centre and other partner agencies in this scheme, it is a great way to promote road safety and ultimately the reason for all of this happening is for the safety of all our children. All drivers need to understand how their driving habits can affect the lives of others, hopefully the message gets through to all”.

If you would like further information about the event or road safety please contact the road safety team on 0121 303 7683.