Jags Backs Anti-Speeding Campaign

Defender urging drivers to slow down on Liverpool's roads.

Everton defender Phil Jagielka has backed a city-wide campaign to encourage motorists to slow down.

Jagielka met youngsters from a primary school in Fazakerley on Thursday to launch Everton in the Community and Alder Hey Hospital’s support for the city’s innovative speed reduction initiative, The 20 Effect.

The initiative, delivered by Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Primary Care Trust (PCT) with the backing of Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, aims to reduce road injuries by increasing the number of residential roads with 20mph speed limits and raising awareness of the danger of driving at high speed.

Jagielka played a series of interactive games with pupils to help them learn about road safety. He also handed out hi-visibility reflective bags that have been funded by Westfield Health as part of the project for youngsters to wear while leaving school in the winter months so they are more visible to motorists.  

The workshop at Longmoor Community Primary School was the first in a series of visits that Everton in the Community will carry out alongside Alder Hey Hospital over the next few weeks.

The Blues official charity will join Alder Hey in delivering lessons in 26 local primary schools to highlight the importance of road safety.  

In addition, Everton will support the campaign at their next home game against Southampton in a bid to encourage fans to drive safely on the city’s roads.

An appeal film will be shown to the Goodison faithful at half time during the visit of the Saints and flyers, car stickers and car air fresheners will be handed out in the stands.
    
Jagielka said: “It’s no secret that driving unsafely can kill and initiatives such as The 20 Effect can only help to reduce the number of collisions on the city’s roads.

"It’s a fantastic idea for Everton in the Community to highlight the importance of road safety to kids from such a young age and I hope it has a huge impact on the local community.”