240 children at the Square Mile’s Sir John Cass’s Foundation Primary School EC3 are to get training on road safety from Ivor Goodsite on Friday 20 March, as the Aldgate roundabout near their school gates begins a major – but tricky - transformation into a public space.

Fun-looking Ivor will help give the youngsters serious but enjoyable sessions in: spotting hazards near building works, expecting surprises as works change, and reading the signs.

Youngsters will also be taught how to remind their parents if they don’t keep a careful watch on the pavements and crossings during the four-month over 20-million-pound project.

The activities also include vulnerable road user safety 'Exchanging Places' where the children will be getting in to LGVs (large goods vehicles) so they can see the driver’s blind spots and safer cycling skills.

Sheila Moules, Road Safety Officer of the City of London Corporation said: “The scheme with Transport for London will create a giant piazza near the school and that will really help all pedestrians and street-users to have a safer and better time. But getting there will involve a lot of work and that itself creates potential problems - so we’re working with Sir John Cass to help make their kids even smarter, and safer.”

Marianne Fredericks, Chairman of Streets and Walkways Sub Committee at the City of London Corporation, said “Learning good road safety habits at an early age is essential. Sir John Cass’ Road Safety Day will provide young children with vital and practical lessons about road safety and construction site working, helping them to establish safety awareness for themselves and their families.”

Contractor Riney will be at the school with a digger, alongside the City Corporation’s Road Danger Reduction Team, City Police with motorbikes and safety teams, McGee Construction (and special guest Ivor Goodsite), Skanska Construction, Mace Construction, Speedy Hire and Keltbray.

ENDS

Contact Julie Zhu on the details below to attend the event and interview participants. Photos of the event are available on request.

Notes to editorsMedia enquiriesJulie Zhu, Media Officer, City of London CorporationT 020 7332 3451E julie.zhu@cityoflondon.gov.uk

About the City of London CorporationThe City of London Corporation provides local government and policing services for the financial and commercial heart of Britain, the 'Square Mile'. In addition, the City Corporation has three roles: (1) We support London’s communities by working in partnership with neighbouring boroughs on economic regeneration, education and skills projects. In addition, the City of London Corporation’s charity City Bridge Trust makes grants of more than £15 million annually to charitable projects across London. (2) We also help look after key London heritage sites and green spaces including Tower Bridge, Museum of London, Barbican Arts Centre, City gardens, Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest, and Burnham Beeches. (3) And we also support and promote the ‘City’ as a world-leading financial and business hub, with outward and inward business delegations, high-profile civic events, and research. See www.cityoflondon.gov.uk for more details.