Spike helps Norfolk become Visibly Better

50,000 reflective and fluorescent stickers and 4000 reflective armbands have been distributed through libraries in Norfolk in an attempt to make people Visibly Better. The campaign, launched during half term, featured Spike the safety-wise hedgehog.

Norfolk Police and the Norwich-based Holden motor group are supporting the campaign, with the motor group even changing its company policy to support 'conspicuous issues'. It now stocks and sells at cost price a reflective and fluorescent waistcoat and children visiting the group's dealerships receive free road safety materials.

"Winter visibility is a major issue in a large county like Norfolk," said Stuart Hallett, county road safety officer. "Many villages and small towns have little or no street lighting and the road network extends to over 6000 miles, much of it unlit. The campaign raises the Be Safe, Be Seen issue and links this with the rise in road traffic casualties at this time of year."

Standing around six foot tall, Spike has proved popular among schoolchildren. He has a busy schedule of public engagements between now and Christmas and will get around on a sponsored Spike vehicle.

"Spike has proved to be a massive hit already," Stuart Hallett added. "He will be used to promote publicity campaigns and attend educational events in schools."

Further details are available from Stuart Hallett : stuart.hallett@norfolk.gov.uk.