PUPILS in Newton Abbot will soon be able to take part in free pedestrian safety training as Devon County Council’s ‘Walkability’ scheme secures a further £100,000 worth of funding.

The council’s child safety training for primary school children has received additional funding from Vision Zero South West.

The additional funding will allow it to continue through to March 2028.

More than 4,000 pupils from close to 50 schools have taken part in the pilot scheme after it launched last year.

The scheme is delivered by Active Devon on behalf of Devon County Council and funded by Vision Zero South West.

And with the pilot due to be completed in March 2026, the £100,000 funding allocation will extend the scheme for another two years, enabling a further 9,000 pupils, including those from Newton Abbot, to take part in the free training programme.

The programme covers a range of essential road safety topics through theory and practical sessions.

Children gain an understanding of road signs and what they mean, how to identify safe routes to cross and navigate road crossings.

They are also taught the Green Cross Code and the benefits of walking.

Councillor Dan Thomas, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: ‘Working with our Vision Zero South West partners, we’re committed to reducing child pedestrian casualties on Devon’s roads and I’m pleased that Vision Zero is supporting Walkability with funding.

‘This training, delivered by Active Devon, is a perfect way not only to raise children’s awareness of road safety but also to arm them with the knowledge and skills which will help them throughout the rest of their lives.

‘If children are more confident in walking to and from school, hopefully it will also encourage more families to walk to school and around their local community more often.

‘That can benefit their health, tackle congestion and improve air quality around local schools’.