The visit saw the Deputy Commissioner meet with six members of the School Council, as well as the Headteacher Mrs Rachel Elleray and representatives from the wider community, to discuss their ideas on tackling the issue of speeding and parking during key times.
During the visit, the young people shared their ideas on how to address the problem, including community roadwatch checks, awareness raising, and safety features on the road network. Andy Pratt MBE also highlighted his role as the Chair of the Lancashire Road Safety Partnership, and discussed the ways in which the Partnership could support the school’s efforts to promote road safety.
Andy Pratt MBE, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, said:
“I was delighted to visit Rufford C of E Primary School today to discuss road safety concerns with the young people and staff. Tackling dangerous driving is a key priority in the Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden’s Police and Crime Plan, and I am pleased to see that the young people of the school are taking the initiative to tackle this issue.
“People should be able to go about their day without the concern that other people’s reckless driving puts them in danger, and young people should be able to travel to school without worrying. It’s often the case that areas around schools are hotspots for dangerous driving and increased risks for pedestrians so is something that we look to address wherever possible.
“The police cannot tackle this issue alone, and engagement like this is important for raising awareness of road safety and bringing people together to make a proactive change”.
Headteacher of Rufford C of E Primary School, Mrs Rachel Elleray, said: “We are extremely grateful to Andy Pratt MBE for taking the time to visit our school and listen to our concerns around road safety. The children were thrilled to have the opportunity to share their ideas with the Deputy Commissioner, and we look forward to working together to make the surrounding area safer for everyone.”
