Vale Council agree series of road safety projects
A new series of measures aimed at improving road safety will be
undertaken by the Vale of Glamorgan Council over the next
year.
Using a Welsh Assembly Government grant, the council is to spend
just under £98,000 continuing its education programme, which
includes the Children's Traffic Club, the Kerbcraft Scheme, car
seat check days, cycle training and advanced driver training for
newly qualified young drivers, while £226,000 will be used to
complete existing schemes or implement new projects.
The works include:
• completion of scheme, including the provision of a zebra
crossing in Gladstone Road, at the Weston Square junction in
Barry;
• construction of a zebra crossing at St Bride's Road, Wick;
• provision of footway at Station Terrace, Aberthaw;
• road safety works at the junction of Jenner Road and
Pontypridd Road, and Barry Road and Barrians Way, Barry;
• conversion of the existing zebra crossing at High Street,
Cowbridge, to a controlled crossing and provision of footway at the
Market Place Brasserie, and
• construction of cycleway from the western edge of Sully to
Barry including improved crossing facilities, raised footways,
dropped kerbs and way markings.
Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation Cllr Chris
Williams said: "The council has an excellent record in relation to
its work in the field of road safety training and I am delighted
that we will be continuing to help our youngsters in the coming
year."
Last year, under the Pass Plus Cymru scheme for young drivers,
the council trained more young people than any other Welsh local
authority.
Initially introduced in seven Vale schools, the Kerbcraft scheme
teaches children aged between five and seven about road safety
awareness and has now been expanded to cover 13 schools. The number
of children receiving training is now near the 500 mark.
Thanks to the commitment of trainers, volunteers and the
enthusiasm of the children, nearly all parents have commented that
they had noticed an improvement in their child's behaviour by the
road after their involvement with Kerbcraft.
The Children’s Traffic Club helps parents teach their children
how to stay safe when out walking, playing or travelling by car. On
children’s third birthdays, parents registering with the scheme are
sent the first of a series of six books containing simple
storylines and intended to increase a child’s vocabulary and
awareness of basic but essential road safety terminology. Five
other books are sent at quarterly intervals.
The Assembly has identified the Vale CTC as an example of good
practice and this has prompted other Welsh local authorities to
introduce the scheme.
Cllr Williams said: "It is anticipated that the number of road
traffic accidents in the Vale, particularly those involving
children and young people, will reduce as a result of these
initiatives."