Dorset Echo: THE UK'S first-ever interactive road safety centre has been given the royal seal of approval. 
Princess Anne officially opened RoadWise, at Weymouth Community Fire Station, today as part of a number of engagements she had in the county. 

It was 'a little imagination and a lot of hard work' which converted the dream RoadWise in to reality, said Dorset's chief fire officer Darran Gunter. 

Mr Gunter was among a host of dignitaries, emergency service personnel and members of the community whose support over the last few years has made RoadWise possible. 


And the sun shone down on them as they chatted to Princess Anne about the project. 

RoadWise 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 better understand the risks and consequences of being both a pedestrian and a driver the roads.

More than one person a day was killed or seriously injured on Dorset's roads in 2014- and the supporters of RoadWise believe better education can reduce the number of fatal accidents. 

It has the backing of many local businesses and organisations, including the Dorset Echo, which has a 'shop' in the mini village. 

Princess Anne got a tour of the village and a demonstration from Conifers Primary School pupils, before unveiling a special stone.

There was a bit of a pause when it came to signing the visitors' book, however, as there was no pen on the stand. 

But luckily, princesses always come prepared and Anne reached in to her bag for a pen. 

Darran Gunter was singled out for his commitment to the project by SafeWise chairman Jeff Ward.

Mr Ward said: "This centre started as a dream of Darran'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."

Princess Anne then had to dash off to three over engagements across the county- firstly to open a new exhibition at Bovington Tank Museum. 

Speaking after the RoadWise visit, Alison Shelton, chief executive of RoadWise, said: "It has been very much a vision and partnership project. We've had massive support from the community, businesses and the emergency services and I know that children will be safer from visiting this centre. 
"It's all about people taking care and doing the right thing, taking the time to think and to react and also to be courteous as drivers.
"Hopefully the children who come to RoadWise will grow in to considerate, safe drivers and we can save lives on the road."

Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Christine James, who is ward councillor for the area, said: "This has been quite a journey. I can remember seeing it six/seven years ago. It would have been easy to have housing here but I would much rather have the safety centre.

"As mayor, ward councillor and also a driving instructor, I am very keen to see anything that will make our roads safer for generations to come."