Centre to teach little ones about traffic

GEORGE NEWS - The George Junior Traffic Training Centre was a scene of great joy and much laughter last week when it opened its doors to the public for the first time. The centre, which is intended to enable children to learn more about general road safety aspects, was officially launched last week Wednesday 24 May with groups of very excited toddlers from Heeltyd Speeltyd, Esethu Kwakhanya and Pacaltsdorp Crèche enjoying Daantjie Kat at top volume.

One very lucky toddler was presented with a prize by Daantjie Kat for her astounding vocal abilities.

Mayor Leon van Wyk and Municipal Manager Dr Michelle Gratz spent a happy morning assisting toddlers on tricycles along the various ramps and stop streets. Van Wyk thanked the department for this initiative and the efforts that went into getting the centre opened and launched.

"It is very important to know when and where we cross the road. This is a big opportunity to educate our youth and we encourage schools in our area to make use of this facility so that we all benefit from this centre," he said.

As the day progressed, the children were trained on various road safety aspects such as buckling up when getting into a vehicle, crossing the road when it's safe and how to educate their parents to do the same.

The ribbon cutting: Janine Wells (George Traffic Chief), Dr Michele Gratz (Municipal Manager), Clr Charlotte Clarke (Portfolio Councillor for Community Safety), Mayor Leon van Wyk, Sivuyisiwe Ngongo (Road Safety Management at the Western Cape Mobility Department) and Dawie Adonis (Director of Community Services).

The George Junior Traffic Training Centre has specifically incorporated a foot bridge in order to teach children the correct way and the best opportunity to use it.

A road map with various landmarks including road signs painted by Carl Thomas, an official from the Building Control division, gives children a fun way to learn about road safety measures. Director of Community Services Dawie Adonis applauded and thanked previous employees and political figures who had all played a part in bringing the junior traffic centre to life.

Mayor Leon van Wyk spent a happy morning assisting toddlers on tricycles along the various ramps and stop streets.

Danny Cat, the road safety mascot for Traffic Services, finally arrived in a traffic vehicle after the children had to call him a few times at the top of their lungs.