Junior Road Safety Officer scheme

 Durham County Council’s road safety team piloted a Junior Road Safety Officer scheme in nine primary schools across the county in 2011.  Now, in June 2012, there are 36 fully operational, with a further 18 in the application and development stages.  The scheme involves the road safety team working alongside teams of young volunteers, who help to educate their peers, parents and teachers on road safety and ways they can keep themselves safer when using the roads.

Alan Kennedy, Durham County Council’s road safety manager, says: “This is an exciting initiative that is really capturing the imagination of the children.  “Who better to help identify and spread the word about issues relating to the safety of pupils, than the pupils themselves? The JRSO’s are all willing and extremely able and it’s great to have them on board.”

The JRSO’s role includes creating a notice board, speaking in assemblies, holding competitions and organising campaigns.  Cllr Bob Young, portfolio holder for strategic environment and leisure, said: “We want our young people to have the very best knowledge possible to keep them safer and this is a great way of harnessing their enthusiasm and ideas to help us do just that.  I am sure they will enjoy this opportunity to help us tackle road safety issues in County Durham and I love the fact that they are approaching the challenges with such energy.”

For more information contact:  Judith Forster: Tel 03000 268170  judith.forster@durham.gov.uk  and  Gillian Pace Tel: 03000 268171 gillian.pace@durham.gov.uk