Young Person's Transport Conference

As part of the National TravelWise Conference 2008, Birmingham, the Safer Travel Partnership recently hosted a Young Person's Transport Conference.

The Safer Travel Partnership is made up of representatives from West Midlands Police, Safer Birmingham Partnership, National Express WM, TravelWise, Centro, and the School Travel Plan team at Birmingham City Council.

Pupils from 14 schools across Birmingham had the opportunity to express their views on a range of transportation issues.

The conference was organised specially for young people and gave them the opportunity to take part in a range of interactive workshops, presentations and a theatre display covering issues surrounding journey planning, sustainable travel and safer travel.

The workshops aimed to provide pupils with a range of tools and knowledge to help them to travel to and from school in a safe and effective way.

Two of the pupils, Melissa and Nikita, both aged 12yr, from Hodge Hill Sports and Enterprise College said:

The conference was a great experience for us because it was a huge difference from our school. Also instead of teaching us things in a boring way, they taught us things using rap, DVDs discussions and theatre. I would definitely come again if it was offered, as it was a fantastic day.

Christine Smith, Extended Schools Officer, Four Dwellings High School said:

The conference gave pupils the chance to answer thought-provoking questions on how Birmingham can improve its transport strategy for the future, with feedback from the young people being truly inspiring! There were a range of activities and the young peoples opinions were obviously highly valued.

Pupils were encouraged to travel sustainably to the Conference, with all the attendees using buses.

Photos from Young Persons Transport Conference are below:

For information on the Young Persons Transport Conference please contact:

Kelly Rees
kelly.rees@birmingham.gov.uk