Why it matters: The first in-person awards since before the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vital role young people play in tackling speeding and poor parking issues near schools across Suffolk.
Suffolk County Council played host to 90 pupils and 40 staff at the Junior Road Safety Officer Awards event in the council chamber. Twenty-two schools achieved gold status, the highest level of recognition in the three-tier awards system.
What they're saying: Suffolk County Council Chair Councillor Jessica Fleming told the gathered pupils: "The role of a Junior Road Safety Officer has never been more important. Every month, our officers receive reports of poor parking or speeding near your schools: the work that you do is extremely helpful in raising awareness of these issues and tackling them in your communities."
The big picture: The Junior Road Safety Officer scheme has been running for more than 20 years, giving pupils in Years 4 to 6 the opportunity to get involved in road safety work at their schools. Children deliver sessions to peers and take on initiatives in their wider communities.
By the numbers: The scheme now involves 61 participating schools across Suffolk, with awards recognising work carried out over the past 12 months. There are bronze, silver and gold awards available, with 21 certificate presentations made at this year's ceremony.
The bottom line: The awards celebrate how young people are making a real difference in their communities, with the scheme serving as an effective way of engaging parents and carers whilst expanding the reach of the road safety education team.
