More than 100 people from across Greater Manchester have attended a safe urban driving training course designed to help drivers hone their skills to improve road safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
Individuals and employees of businesses based in the region have been taking part in the course run by the Nationwide Cycling Academy, in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester, since February.
The course, which costs just £10 per person and is subsidised by TfGM, is designed for professional HGV, LGV and PCV drivers to help define who vulnerable road users are, as well as providing guidance on ways to reduce risks and avoid accidents whilst on the road.
Greater Manchester Police Superintendent Julie Ellison, who chairs the Safer Roads Partnership, said: “Ensuring the safety of all road users is of critical importance to us, and these safe urban driving courses play an essential role in helping to reduce risks and accidents.
“Drivers operating in areas with high volumes of vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, are given guidance on how to share the road safely and reduce the risk for themselves and others.
“It’s encouraging to see that over 100 people, including drivers for commercial operators and sole traders, have completed the course, and I’d urge others who want their vehicles to be driven in the safest way possible to do the same.”
A driver who took part in the NCA course, which is split into classroom-based theory lessons and on-cycle practical exercises, said: “The course was a pertinent reminder of my responsibilities and role as a professional driver.
“The practical element of the course was certainly an eye opener to the dangers that cyclists, and other road users.”
Another driver who completed the course added: “I have always given consideration to pedestrians and cyclists, having been a truck driver and coach driver, and I have learnt a few more situations to be mindful of.”
Delivered by experienced and approved trainers from NCA, the safe urban driving course takes place at The Barn Countryside Centre, Philips Park, Whitefield, M45 7QJ.
The course is approved by the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) and Fleet Operators Recognition Scheme (FORS). It also meets the requirements for the Work-Related Road Risk (WRRR) and the Construction Logistics and Cyclists Safety (CLOCS) schemes.
(Picture – TfGM)
