Child road safety ambassadors introduced in a trial scheme have been so successful that they will be introduced in more schools.
Bolton Council introduced the initiative in 10 schools across the borough last October to boost pupils’ safety.
Two children were designated ‘Road Safety Ambassadors’ in each school. They were responsible for promoting road safety messages on the theme of ‘Be Bright, Be Seen’.
Ambassadors were awarded a special ambassador badge and high visibility jackets.
They came up with ideas for competitions and assemblies and designed badges.
One activity pupils undertook was using mini pedestrian crossing equipment to help them learn how to use crossings safely.
Schools involved in the first phase were: Bolton Parish Church CE Primary; Clarendon Primary School; Gaskell Primary School; Highfield Primary School; Pikes Lane Primary School; Sharples Primary School; St Andrew’s CE Primary School; St Michael’s CE Primary School; St Stephen and All Martyrs’ CE Primary School, and The Valley Primary School.
The council’s road safety officer also visited the schools to offer help and advice.
Cabinet Member for Highways, Cllr David Chadwick, said: “It is great to see pupils so passionate about road safety and inspiring their peers to take road safety more seriously. They have really taken the ambassador programme to heart.
“It has been a fun and engaging way to spread important messages and build important life skills.
“We take road safety very seriously and as well as programmes like this, we have invested £1m into making our roads safer with measures like 20mph schemes and new flashing speed road warning signs.”
Headteacher Vicky Chatterjee from Clarendon Primary, Recreation Street, praised the scheme.
The school has also benefited from a new speed warning sign following some accidents in the area.
Vicky Chatterjee added: “The scheme has been tremendously valuable in raising awareness of road safety. Clarendon School is on a very busy road and unfortunately there have accidents that could have been avoided.
“The ambassadors have worked with children in school, as well as putting on workshops for parents at parents’ evening.
“They have run competitions and sent home leaflets that educate both children and adults. Hopefully the scheme will educate people and stop potential future accidents.”
Her ambassadors Aisha Kaduji (age 11) and Mohammad Hussain (age 10) both felt the scheme had helped them and their peers to be safer on the roads.
“Being a road safety ambassador has been a privilege and it’s been great helping the children in school to stay safe. We have really enjoyed running competitions and giving out prizes too,” they said.
The pilot will now be rolled out to more schools across the borough. Schools interested in getting involved can contact highways@bolton.gov.uk or call 01204 336677.