Write a commentNewry Gateway members had a recent visit from the Newry Neighbourhood Policing Team who brought a road safety message to them through a new programme focusing on education, communication and fun.
The programme was divided into three sessions culminating in a trip to Bishopscourt Racing Track in Downpatrick.
Constable Marner, Newry NPT, explained: "We came up with the idea of the programme to help reduce the number of adults and children killed or seriously injured on the road. The main focus of the scheme is to educate vulnerable people about dangers on the roads and the role we play in dealing with this. It is about educating them about their own safety on the road and also taking away the fear or trepidation they might have in relation to police."
The first session took the form of an information workshop on road safety awareness. Police spoke to participants about how dangerous the roads can be and what steps everyone can take to make sure they stay safe. The second session followed on with a display of police vehicles including response vehicles, motorbikes, bicylcles and landrover. Participants got the opportunity to familiarise themselves with all the vehicles while officers explained how each vehicle is used in relation to road safety.
The visit to Bishopscourt followed the success of the prior two sessions and provided the group with the opportunity to experience a race meeting.
Constable Marner said: "Bishopscourt was a fun day out and it reinforced some of our road safety messages, particularly around speed. The group had the opportunity to travel in a race car as a passenger.
"At the outset of the programme we had hoped to build some positive relationships with those taking part and it worked really well. As police officers we learnt what their concerns are and how we can help them better and as participants, they learnt how to keep themselves safe on the roads and that we are here to help when they need us.
"Through educational programmes like this we hope to reduce road traffic incidents and, ultimately, see less people killed on our roads."
