A “FIRST of its kind” event hosted by Dorset Police will promote road safety in a bid to reduce road casualties in the county.

The Dorset Police Road Safety Event takes place at the Dolphin Shopping Centre in Poole on Saturday November 27 from 9am until 3pm.

The event aims to engage with all types of road users across five separate zones within the centre, with interactive stands and exhibitions.

In zone one, the focus will be on two-wheeled transport. Visitors can learn more about the ‘Bike Safe’ motorcycle rider education programme, as well as the Operation Close Pass cycle and horse safety initiative. Representatives from Beryl will also be on hand to talk about the government e-scooter trials.

Zone two offers visitors tips on how to securely fit child car seats and educate children to cross the road with the Police Schools Road Safety Team. KwikFit will also be in attendance to answer questions about tyre safety.

Bournemouth Echo: Dorset Police car. Picture: Richard Crease Dorset Police car. Picture: Richard Crease

In zone three visitors can meet Doctor Ian Mew, an intensive care consultant at Dorset County Hospital, who will talk about Doc Bike and Biker Down – two programmes working to eradicate motorcycle deaths. Colleagues from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service will also be present.

A fourth zone will focus on supporting older drivers and their families about how they can continue driving safely. A presentation lasting 20 minutes will be held in the older drivers zone at 10.30am, 12pm and 1.30pm on a first come first serve basis.

In the fifth zone, you can meet the Dorset Police No Excuse team, the safety camera speed enforcement team and have a go at testing your reaction times.

Laressa Robinson, road safety education operations manager at Dorset Police, said: “This event is the first of its kind in Dorset with a huge variety of activities on offer across the centre throughout the day.

“While the number of casualties on our roads is reducing, sadly around 250 to 300 people are killed or seriously injured on Dorset roads each year therefore it is vital we continue to educate the public about what they can do to reduce their risk on the road.

“We hope to welcome as many people as possible to the event.”

Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick added: “Road safety features in my Police and Crime Plan, as does a call for increased partnership working, so I am really pleased to see such an innovative event taking place in Dorset.

“It promises to be a fantastic demonstration of what we can do when we work together in partnership, to share knowledge and resources, to achieve our shared ambition of improving road safety.

“This is especially important at this time of the year, as the darker nights draw in.”