Norwich Schools Urged to Apply for Safety Clothing

9.21.00pm GMT Wed 20th Feb 2008

Local Primary schools have until Monday to apply for the chance to win a class-pack of high visibility vests. Five packs of 35 vests are up for grabs for Primary schools in the Norwich area, with the winning schools being drawn on Monday 25 February.

Simon Wright, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for Norwich South, has written to all primary schools in Norwich to urge them to apply for the draw.

"We should be doing all we can to encourage parents and children to walk to school wherever possible, but many parents are understandably worried about road safety issues and instead drive their children to school," said Mr Wright. "However, there are many advantages to encouraging people to walk or cycle to school. It helps to tackle childhood obesity, its better for the environment, and it encourages children to take greater awareness of road safety issues. We also have particular problems with congestion in some parts of Norwich, which would be eased if fewer cars were doing the school-run every day."

"Wearing appropriate, highly visible clothing is an important part of improving safety for our young pedestrians and cyclists, so I am urging all primary schools in Norwich to apply for the chance to win these packs of high-visibility vests."

"Our councils also have a role to play. Our local authorities have been dragging their feet for too long over the issue of speed limits. A blanket 20mph limit around all schools in Norwich should be introduced urgently."

The visibility vest packs are being offered to schools by 3M. Primary schools in the Norwich area can apply for the chance to win the high visibility vests by emailing Heather McMahon by Monday on hmcmahon@mmm.com