Young people and nervous new drivers will have the chance to get behind the wheel in a safe and supportive setting as part of a new road safety event in Clacton.
The event, taking place on the South Car Park of Clacton Shopping Village on Friday 21 August, from 9am until 4pm, is being organised by local driving instructors Lewis Constantine and Adam Bolton of AB Drive Anchor Clacton Driving School.
Supported by Tendring District Council’s (TDC) Community Safety Team and a range of road safety partners, it will bring together emergency services, driving professionals and local organisations to offer practical advice, demonstrations and conversations about safer driving.
Representatives are expected from Essex Police, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, the East of England Ambulance Service, Transport Made Simple and Essex Highways. Visitors will be able to meet road safety professionals, explore emergency service vehicles, watch demonstrations and pick up useful tips on staying safe on the roads.
One of the main attractions will be a 30-minute supervised driving experience for young people aged 15 and over, as well as anxious beginners aged 17 and over, with fully qualified driving instructors. The sessions will take place in a safe and controlled environment and are designed to introduce people to the basics of driving before they get out on the road.
The driving experience costs £30 and must be booked in advance at AB-Drive Anchor Young Driver Experience.
Lewis Constantine, driving instructor at AB Drive Anchor Clacton Driving School, said: “Learning to drive is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel daunting for young people and new drivers. This event is about giving people a safe, friendly and practical introduction to driving, while also helping them understand the importance of making good decisions on the road from the very beginning.”
Councillor Peter Kotz, TDC’s Cabinet Member responsible for Community Safety, said: “Anything that helps young people build confidence, learn from professionals and think carefully about road safety is worth supporting. We are pleased our Community Safety Team is backing this event, which brings partners together in a practical and accessible way for residents and families. The event aims to make road safety advice easy to access by bringing partner agencies together in one place, with a focus on young drivers, families and anyone who wants to feel more confident on or around the road.”
There will also be a family-friendly competition during the day, with visitors invited to guess how many helium balloons are packed inside a classic Mini on display at the shopping village. The closest guess will win £200 worth of driving lessons.
Baby clothing and accessories shop Little'Uns has also arranged for the Cybex child seat crash simulator to be in attendance.
