Britain’s Princess Anne opened the UK’s first ever road safety centre in Dorset yesterday (21.03.16).
The 65-year-old royal – the daughter of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip – whizzed down to Weymouth yesterday morning to declare the safety unit Roadwise, based at Weymouth Fire Station, officially open for business.
The Princess was given a tour of the village as well as given a demonstration from Conifers Primary School pupils, before she unveiled a special stone and signed the visitors’ book.
Speaking to the Princess, SafeWise chairman Jeff Ward said in a speech: "This centre started as a dream of Darran Gunter’s and as a result of his hard work and determination, a community centre was built here- and to you, Darran, thank you. And your Royal Highness Princess Anne, thank you for coming here, I can’t tell you how much the children of this community appreciate your time."
However, it was a flying visit for Anne as she then had to dash off to three other engagements across the country.
RoadWise, which is part of the SafeWise charity, is a 3,000 square-metre road circuit with working pedestrian and zebra crossings, a mini roundabout, one way street, T-junctions, a yellow junction box and battery operated mini cars that will help children to learn about the risks involved on the roads.