Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s road safety team has received a Prince Michael International Road Safety Award for its “leadership in road safety” and “innovative work” with primary and secondary schools in Cheshire East.
In 2012 Cheshire East Council commissioned Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service to deliver road safety education to its primary and secondary schools. This was the first instance of a fire and rescue service being commissioned to deliver road safety educational work.
The initiative specifically targets Key Stage 2 (9-11 year olds) and Key Stage 4 (14-16 year olds) students. The aim is to ensure that each student has a far better understanding of road safety and in-car safety, not only as a pedestrian but also as a passenger and general road user.
Adrian Walsh, director of the Prince Michael Awards scheme, said: “Prince Michael has made this award to Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service for its outstanding commitment demonstrated by its high level of leadership and effective deployment of resources to making roads safer.
“The success of the schools road safety education programme is one of many examples of this and it is of significance that Cheshire is the first fire and rescue service in the country to be commissioned to conduct this important work."
Martin Dowle, prevention safety manager for the service and vice chair of the Chief Fire Officers Association’s Road Safety Executive Board, said: "This award highlights the success of our work with Cheshire East Council in delivering road safety education to local schools.
“Our unique brand and ability to engage with all groups and ages places us in an enviable position where we can really make a difference to increase awareness of road safety from both a driver and pedestrian perspective.
“This particular initiative in partnership with Cheshire East Council has been hugely successful in communicating vital information and education to young children in schools and I am so pleased it has been recognised with this prestigious award.”
Yes I’d like to echo Honor’s comments. Congratulations Martin and team – very well deserved.
Mandy Rigault. Oxfordshire.
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My congratulations to Martin and his team. Martin is a tireless advocate for road safety education and raising professional standards and evaluation of programmes. This is a hard earned award and well deserved recognition for his efforts.
Honor Byford, Chair, Road Safety GB
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