In 2024, 56 people were killed and 516 were seriously injured in road traffic collisions across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.
Focused on playing his part to reduce the harm too often caused on West Mercia’s roads, Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion is funding seven community-led education initiatives.
With education being a vital strand in the three road safety Es, which also include enforcement and engineering, the initiatives, which are being awarded £68,558 in total, will support all road users to be better and therefore safer.
Across the three counties, the Motorcycle Riders Hub – Digital Upskilling Platform, will help upskill motorcyclists with the help of digital learning videos.
U17 Pathfinders educates pre-licenced drivers aged 17-24 around the risks of the road, combined with technical driving skills. While West Mercia Police’s Mature Driver Review will provide those aged 65+ with a practical refresher course to keep their skills sharp.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue – VR Road Safety Education, will use the funding to invest in virtual reality kit to expand the delivery of their evidence-based education workshops.
In North Worcestershire, Wyre Forest School – Promoting Safe & Active Travel, will use the funding to purchase bikes so children from low socio-economic backgrounds who don’t own a bike can join training that teaches bike safety. While in South Worcestershire, funding is being supplied to Bike Worcester – Room to Ride, to supply safety training videos and printed safety advice for cyclists.
In Herefordshire, funding has been awarded to Ely Memorial Fund – Young Driver Experience, to deliver face-to-face road safety training for up to 180 students aged 14-17 thinking about learning to drive.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “I know from the correspondence I receive how devastating harm on our roads can be for families, and that road safety is one of the highest areas of concern for the communities of West Mercia.
“That’s why I’m determined to play my part, which means not just backing West Mercia Police with the resources it needs to enforce the law, but also on giving people the knowledge they need to be safer.
“By working with communities and partners, and engaging with all ages of people across the three counties, we can work together to deliver a safer, stronger West Mercia.”
