Young officers learn to play it safe on the road
They may not yet be old enough to drive but youngsters from schools across North Lanarkshire have been made kings of the road.
Pupils from 87 primary schools across the local authority area were recently introduced to their new roles as Junior Road Safety Officers (JRSO).
The successful programme has been sponsored by Amey since 2004.
North Lanarkshire Council’s Road Safety Team held an induction event at The King’s Church in Motherwell recently with a host of activities for pupils in attendance.
The event was designed to inspire and support the P6 and P7 pupils who volunteered to become JRSOs.
Along with the new titles comes the responsibility of helping ensure the safety of their fellow pupils.
JRSOs work with pupils, teachers and parents over the school year to promote road safety.
The role includes giving presentations, running a variety of competitions, maintaining a noticeboard, and delivering road safety campaigns.
The schools who took part in the Motherwell event were Alexander Peden, Allanton, Berryhill, Calderbridge, Cambusnethan, Cathedral, Christ the King, Glencairn, Holy Family, Holytown, Kier Hardie Memorial, Kirk O’ Shotts, Kirkshaws, Knowetop, Lawmuir, Logans, Muirhouse, Netherton, New Stevenston, Newmains, Noble, Our Lady and St Francis, Sacred Heart, Stane, St Aidan’s, St Bernadette’s, St Brendan’s, St Gerard’s, St Ignatius, St John Paul II, St Patrick’s, St Patrick’s in Shotts, St Teresa’s, St Thomas’, Sikeside and Wishaw Academy.
Councillor Michael McPake, convener of the environment and transportation committee, said: “Being a Junior Road Safety Officer involves commitment and enthusiasm, and every year we are so impressed with the effort that pupils put into the role.
“The induction events are an opportunity for our new JRSOs to meet, share ideas and learn more about the job. I would like to thank our new recruits for volunteering and wish them well for the year ahead.”