A lesson in traffic safety

Melton council has given the green light to plans for a new traffic education school.

Plans for the school, to be built at the Bridge Road sports and community hub at Atherstone, will feature a simulated track including road signs and signals.

An open air classroom in landscaped surrounds, as well as barbecue and toilets are also planned.

Melton mayor Sophie Ramsey said the project was designed to support community education in traffic safety.

“The idea of the traffic school has been in the pipeline for a long time, so it’s great that we can now take the necessary steps to making it happen,” Cr Ramsey said.

“Not only will it be a place for fun and community events, it will teach kids vital road safety messaging from an early age, which they will take with them into adulthood.”

The traffic school will also support schools with bike education and will promote and encourage active transport.

The launch phase of the school will provide for 60 bikes for children learning to ride.

Cr Ramsey said the plans were included in the council’s agreement of infrastructure to be included in the Atherstone development.

The traffic education school is expected to be opened in 2019. It will be leased to a private operator and will be available for community events.