Young Motorists Group Launches in Evesham

PC Paul Lewis and Station Commander Gary Jay (right) are joined by other members of the groupYoung motorists from Evesham and the surrounding area are being invited to take part in a number of planned activities as part of a new initiative aimed at driving down the number of road traffic collisions.

The initiative is open to any young person from 17 to 24 years who has an interest in getting involved.,The project has been set up by the Evesham Motoring Group, which is made up of firefighters, police officers and local businesses, all with a common aim of trying to educate young motorists to stay safer on the roads.

Around 50 young people from the Evesham area will take part in the initiative and will be invited to attend monthly events.

The planned events will focus on:

• How the police investigate road traffic collisions
• A demonstration by firefighters showing how they use cutting equipment to release casualties from vehicles
• A Grand Prix-style event
• Vehicle maintenance and mechanics
• Speed cameras and enforcement

PC Paul Lewis, Evesham Town Beat Manager from West Mercia Police said: "During my 25 years as a serving police officer I have attended many serious and fatal road traffic collisions.

"A reduction in RTC's is what we will be attempting to achieve, also giving advice and education where needed together with our other agencies.

 "This initiative has taken a lot of hard work to get off the ground and we are very grateful to our sponsors who have assisted us in help fund the venture."

Station Commander Gary Jay from Evesham Fire Station, said: "As firefighters we see the devastating impact a serious road traffic collision can have on drivers and their passengers.

Fire crews attended 656 road traffic collisions last year (1 April 2010-31 March 2011) and many of these involved serious injury or even fatalities.

"This initiative will see us working alongside young people so we can share our experience with them and hopefully educate them on why it is important to drive safely."

The sponsors include; Evesham Town Partnership, Wychavon District Council, West Mercia Police, First React Computers and Alan Ashton Motor Engineers.

Anyone between the ages of 17 and 24 and interested in joining the motoring group can get more details from the Evesham Motoring Group Facebook page. The date of the first meeting will also be publicised on www.hwfire.org.uk