Ten locations across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole were selected where pedestrians have been seriously injured when crossing the road within a close distance of an official crossing, but not using it.

The partnership commissioned local artist Claire Nuttall to design and paint the road safety imagery and the semi-permanent markings are expected to last around six months.

The pavement art primarily targets young people and the partnership is working with Age UK in Dorset to raise awareness of road safety among older members of the community too. Together, they’ve produced high visibility shopper bags which are being given away at charity shops in the area. These aim to draw motorists’ attention to pedestrians when using the road network.

Assistant chief constable, Sam de Reya, chairman of the Dorset Road Safe Partnership, said, “This fantastic initiative is the latest activity in our approach to educating all road users to stay safe across the county, supporting our ongoing work to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads.

“As well as our education work with pedestrians, we’re also asking motorists to expect the unexpected and always give themselves time to react to those around them; on the road, cycle lane or pavement.

“Over the last ten years, we’ve worked in partnership to reduce the number of casualties by 20 per cent and while every collision can be devastating, I am pleased that we are making constant progress in making our roads safer.”

Road safety experts from Dorset Police are asking pedestrians to always ensure they use an official crossing where possible, look twice in both directions and only cross when safe to do so. Parents are also encouraged to talk about road safety with their children to heighten their awareness of staying safe on our roads.

Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder responsible for Transport, said, “It’s been great to see so many families out walking in their local neighbourhoods and we welcome this playful intervention which aims to support families when talking to young children about the Green Cross Code and encouraging them to use the nearest safe crossing point such as a zebra crossing, if available.”

The sites are:
• Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth
• Bath Road/Exeter Road, Bournemouth
• Wimborne Road/Braidley Road, Bournemouth
• Wimborne Road/Victoria Park Road, Bournemouth
• Barrack Road, Christchurch
• Sopers Lane, Christchurch
• Upwey Avenue/Lake Road (Hamworthy), Poole
• Commercial Road, Poole
• Poole Road (Branksome), Poole
• Longfleet Road/Shaftesbury Road, Poole