'Mosque marshalling' scheme wins Prince Michael Award

A marshalling scheme, launched in Blackburn last year, has won the improved public education category in The Prince Michael Road Safety Awards.

The mosque marshalling scheme is based on similar principles to the school crossing patrol service. The scheme was introduced after consultation with residents of the Bastwell area of Blackburn, who expressed concern about the high numbers of road casualties in their area.  

One particular concern was a 'spike' in casualties involving children between 4pm and 8pm, which corresponded with journeys to and from mosques. Many young children had no parental supervision and had to negotiate busy roads and complex junctions.

Councillor Kate Hollern, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "The marshalling scheme brings together many different areas of the community to address the road safety needs of a key 'at risk' group.

"This scheme does not, however, take place in isolation. To correspond with the launch the road safety team embarked on a series of talks to over 700 children in mosques."  

Councillor Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration for Blackburn with Darwen Council said: "The impact the scheme has had on the community of Bastwell has been marked. Traffic is now slowing down on its way through the area and the effect of dozens of children wearing high visibility jackets is positive in drawing the traffic's attention to their need."

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