A state-of-the-art safety education facility in Gloucester has been shortlisted for two national awards.

SkillZONE delivers innovative road safety education across all age groups in Gloucestershire.

It has been nominated for the UK Fleet Champions Road Safety in The Community Award and the Public Sector Driver Safety Award.

The UK Fleet Champions Awards celebrate the hard work and dedication of fleet organisations working to prevent road deaths and injuries, and reduce pollution caused by their vehicles.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service's Prevention Team and SkillZONE to enhance road safety education and life-saving skills throughout Gloucestershire.

SkillZONE is nominated in the following categories:

Road Safety in the Community

SkillZONE's interactive simulations, including realistic street scenarios with traffic lights, pavements, buses, cars and bicycles, offer a unique and engaging learning environment. By making road safety education compulsory for all visitors, the initiative ensures thousands of children, young people and vulnerable adults annually receive vital life-saving messages and practical skills.

Public Sector Driver Safety

SkillZONE highlights the need for more awareness among high-risk groups, including young people, about road safety issues. Young drivers are statistically more prone to road accidents. By targeting this demographic with tailored interventions and practical skills training, SkillZONE aims to mitigate risks and promote safer behaviours on the road.

Madeleine Jarrett, SkillZONE manager, said: "It is fantastic to see that these nominations show that this initiative addresses the pressing need for effective road safety education. At SkillZONE, this is provided by immersive experiences, practical skills training and comprehensive outreach efforts to empower individuals and communities to navigate roads, safely and confidently.

"Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service's Prevention Team, in partnership with SkillZONE, is deeply committed to advancing road safety and life-saving education throughout Gloucestershire."

Cllr Dave Norman, Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for the Fire and Rescue Service, said: "I'm delighted that these projects have received the recognition they deserve. They set out to really help the local communities to raise awareness of the importance of road safety.

"I would like to congratulate the team for receiving these nominations and wish them well in the awards."

The winners of this year's UK Fleet Champions Awards will be announced at a ceremony in Leeds on Thursday (October 3).