Charlie is 'poster boy' for safety campaign

A YOUNGSTER from Stratford is acting as poster boy for a new campaign urging drivers to watch out for small children in areas such as supermarket car parks.

Charlie Castle posed for the camera at the town’s Tesco store on Birmingham Road, for the county council’s Watch Out Kids About poster campaign.

Warwickshire County Council’s Road Safety team is piloting the campaign, to encourage drivers to mind their blindspots near roads and car parks where there may be children. Even when children are with a responsible adult they may sometimes escape supervision, particularly if the adult is carrying shopping or is distracted. If successful the campaign will be rolled out to other locations such as leisure centres and parks.

Cllr Jeff Clarke, Portfolio Holder for Transport & Environment said: “Modern vehicles are now bigger in size and drivers cannot always see small children, particularly if they are reversing or travelling at speed.

“I’d like to thank supermarkets in both the north and south of Warwickshire for supporting this pilot. If successful we will look to roll out further posters in more locations throughout the county.”

Nigel Smith, Store Manager at Tesco, said: “Large car parks can pose a risk to children and we’re happy to display these posters to notify drivers of the dangers. “We hope that other organisations across the county sign up to this pilot so we can spread the message throughout Warwickshire.”

To take part in this pilot contact the Warwickshire County Council Road Safety team on 01926 418062 or email roadsafetyeducation@warwickshire.gov.uk for free resources.