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Blackburn wins national award for holistic approach

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has won the 2006 National Transport Award for Road Safety for its holistic approach to reducing child pedestrian casualties.

The council received its award at a ceremony at the Park Lane Hilton in London on 18 July, for achieving a 51% reduction in child pedestrian casualties by maximising the impact of its pedestrian training scheme.  

Blackburn with Darwen's multi-agency partnership approach ensures that children of all ages, and from all backgrounds, are taught best practice techniques to safely cross the road. There is continuity and progression, along with a consistency in the message that enables children to become safer.  

A teachers' resource book provides continuity for the scheme in situations where practical training is not possible, and the key messages are reinforced among all age groups.  

The community is also heavily involved. Businesses and colleges provide valuable volunteer help and local safety forums provide a marshalling scheme outside regular school hours.  

For further information contact Graham Campbell on 01254 273484, or Graham.Campbell@capita.co.uk.