Kingston programmes target secondary pupils

Kingston Council, in south-west London, has recently launched two programmes aimed at raising travel awareness and road safety skills of secondary pupils.

Three schools recently participated in a road safety and travel awareness roadshow for Year 10 students. In collaboration with agencies including BSM, Youth Services, Kingston PCT, London Safety Camera Partnership and SW London Traffic Police, the initiative gave students the opportunity to discuss and learn through a series of interactive exhibitions and presentations.

Subjects covered included driver training, discussion on alcohol and drugs, route planning, using the London Underground, driver vision and reaction tests, talks by the police crash investigation team, as well as presentations regarding walking and cycling for health.

There was also a Highway Code competition for students, with the best entrants from each school winning a top of the range MP3 player.

The second initiative is the launch of a new road safety drama project for Year 9 students.

"We are tackling road safety and travel awareness issues for all age groups across the Borough - but the vulnerable secondary age group is a priority," said James Parker, the Council's RSO. "Evaluation of these projects shows we are hitting the mark with students - making them better informed and more aware of the need for care and consideration when travelling,"

The Council plans to extend both programmes to other schools later in the year.

For details call Val Mitchell on 020 8547 5938.