PUPILS at Rednock School have been learning all about the importance of road safety after growing concerns from residents.

Dursley’s Neighbourhood Policing Team and Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership have been educating students on the importance of using pelican crossings near Rednock Drive and the Kingshill Park junction.

Most recently the partners have been delivering ‘Crossing Roads is a Piece of Cake’ an intensive series of classroom and roadside workshops.

Under the careful watch of PCSOs, small groups of pupils record traffic speeds and learn how to use police radar speed detection equipment, with the aim of raising awareness amongst young people of potential hazards.

PCSO Josh Griffiths said: “What we have aimed to do is teach the students the perspective of drivers and pedestrians and what could distract them – making them aware of theirs and other road user’s surroundings.

“Crossing the road sounds like a ‘piece of cake’ but it is surprising what can distract you whilst conducting this simple task, such as texting on your phone.”

The first workshop took place on February 3, with further sessions being held on February 20 amd 24, March 6, April 3, May 15 and June 9 and 23 in an aim to educate all pupils at the school up to age 14.

David Alexander, head teacher of Rednock school said “By introducing a practical element that supports classroom workshops, I believe our students will appreciate the need to be responsible and take the necessary cautions when crossing Kingshill Road.

“But it’s also all of our responsibility to look out for vulnerable road users, I know Rednock School will do its bit and I believe the wider community will do theirs.”

Students have also been outside the school with speed guns measuring how fast the traffic is going to show that any speed could be a danger while crossing a road.

Dursley town councillor Matt Nicholson, said: "People really need to be aware of the speed they are driving at and how much damage they could cause outside a school.

"The speed limit here is 30mph which gives a higher chance of surviving an accident."

This subject has been given to all students at the school and has been developed further for the classroom.

Cllr Nigel Moor, cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure, said: “It is a priority for us to work with the school and police to educate and empower young people to be aware of road hazards.

“The current programme of workshops is a continuation of the activities launched last year, and I am grateful to all partners for their proactive approach.”