Leiths
Built on Quality
Grampian Transport Museum Junior Driving School Official Opening - 4 July 2013
Leiths Alford, Aberdeen,
The Grampian Transport Museum has been involved with road safety for many years. Local schools use the facilities for cycling proficiency; police and other road safety organisations run training sessions for car drivers and motorcyclists and, working with partners, the museum offers pre 17 tuition, skid training, advance driving tuition and even occasionally HGV driver training. The Development Plan for the museum includes a new road safety initiative, christened the Junior Driving School, which aims to introduce very young people to the rules of the road.
Leiths were delighted to sponsor the initiative and were involved in the construction of the new school facility with Markon providing the road markings.
The Junior Driving School is a learning-through-play concept where 5-11 year olds receive a basic introduction to the meaning of road signs and road lines and then take to a special roadway in simple electric cars. The youngsters are issued with a provisional license, take 3 lessons and then their test, after which they get a “full” license. There is a real road safety and educational element in the new facility, and it is also fun - hence increased propensity to learn.
The Junior Driving School has been made possible by funding support from the Scottish Government and the European Community Rural Aberdeenshire LEADER Programme (2007-2013). In addition, local businesses have assisted, including Leiths, with support and encouragement from the Alford & District Rotary Club.
The objective is to introduce the young drivers to the basic rules of the road: driving on the left, obeying give way and stop signs, reacting to traffic lights and gaining basic control of a simple car. For many this is their first driving experience and hopefully a formative one.
The School was officially declared open at 11am on Thursday 4 July, by Aberdeenshire Council Provost Jill Webster and a reception given to thank funders and sponsors. Neil Watson, Leiths Commercial Director, attended the opening on behalf of the company.