The Dolphin Shopping Centre in Poole is hosting a major road safety event this weekend.

Led by Dorset Police’s Road Casualty Reduction Team on Saturday 27 November from 9am until 3pm, there will be five separate zones within the centre, with interactive stands and exhibitions from numerous organisations, groups, charities and policing teams.

In zone one the focus will be on two-wheeled transport, where 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.

In zone two you can learn more about how to securely fit child car seats and educate children to cross the road with the Police Schools Road Safety Team, as well as talk to KwikFit about tyres and learn more about Community Speed Watch where local groups are empowered to monitor speeding in their communities.

In zone three visitors can meet Dr Ian Mew and learn more about Doc Bike and Biker Down and speak to colleagues from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. A fourth zone will focus on supporting older drivers and their families about how they can continue driving safely. Presentations lasting 20 minutes will be held in the older drivers’ zone at 10.30am, 12noon and 1.30pm on a first come first serve basis.

Dorset Police cadets will be handing out information leaflets at entrances to the centre. Visitors can visit each zone to find letters and solve the written puzzle to receive a free road safety goody bag in zone five, which focuses on police enforcement.

In this area, you can meet the Dorset Police No Excuse team, the safety camera speed enforcement team and have a go at testing your reaction times. A police branded Lotus Evora will also be on display for members of the public to have their photo taken alongside.

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 said: “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.

“The event will focus on showing many practical ways road-users – of all types – can keep themselves and others safe on our roads. This is especially important at this time of the year, as the darker nights draw in.”