Warwickshire takes further steps towards safer and more active travel  

Warwickshire County Council is supporting  two new Safe and Active Travel Officers (SATOs) for a two year period from January 2021. 

The new officers will work with Warwickshire schools and workplaces to encourage walking and cycling as part of school and workplace travel plans. 

The SATOs will be part of the Road Safety Education Team, working on  the SAfER - (Safe & Active for Environment and Road Safety) project aimed at encouraging and supporting active travel in schools and workplaces as part of a wider climate change strategy in Warwickshire.  

The SaFER programme aims to: 

• Change public attitudes and habits around safe and active travel, and promote safe walking, cycling and road safety. 

• Encourage schools and workplaces to sign-up to become SAfER accredited.  

The SATOs will provide support, encouragement and resources to schools, local businesses and community groups to assist them in developing safe and active travel plans – a vital starting point for working towards zero carbon targets.  Their services will be available free of charge to schools and organisations who want to be involved. 

The SATOs will also work with local 'champions' to help organise activities, distribute resources and assist schools and workplaces with compiling effective and meaningful travel plans.

Cllr Andy Crump, Warwickshire County Counci’s portfolio holder for Community Safety said:  

 “One of our key Council priorities is to encourage sustainable and active travel across Warwickshire. The two new Safe and Active Travel Officers means even more work can be done to raise awareness of the benefits of active travel, road safety and improved air-quality.” 

The posts have been funded by Department for Transport and will run for two years. 

For further information about the SAfER programme, the two new posts,  or road safety education, please contact Vicky Oates vickyoates@warwickshire.gov.uk 

or Alison Williams alisonwilliamspt@warwickshire.gov.uk