The Children's Traffic Club in Scotland has announced a three year old Girvan toddler as the winner of its national lucky dip.

Alexander Syme, from Knockcushan Street, Girvan has scooped a fun prize and has been recognised as a young champion in road safety.

The national lucky dip rewards loyal young members for following road safety rules and every month one child wins their very own mini t-shirt and mug.

Congratulating Alexander and making the presentation to him, Councillor Robert Campbell, Convener of South Ayrshire Council's Economic and Tourism Development Committee said: "The Children's Traffic Club is an excellent way to get the road safety message over to the pre-school youngsters.

"A sound knowledge of road safety is a definite need for children of any age, and I am delighted that the club to which Alexander belongs, is doing what it can to get the road safety message over to the youngest members of our community."

Introduced in 1995 the CTCS has helped to reduce the large number of children injured on Scotland's roads every year. The Club has also been developed to help parents teach their young children to stay safe when they are out walking, playing or travelling.

Since its launch, research has found that 81% of the Children's Traffic Club members use pedestrian crossings compared to just 50% of non-members 1 .

In addition, crash statistics show a 12% reduction in child casualties for Traffic Club members and a 20% reduction in casualties involving children emerging from behind a vehicle 2 . Road safety education therefore is crucial to securing the personal safety of Scottish children.

Margaret Graham, South Ayrshire Council Road Safety Officer said: "We are thrilled to be providing young Alexander with the prizes and congratulating him on being a road safety champion.

"The Club provides free materials for children aged 3-5 to teach them about basic road safety. These materials are fun learning tools and are a great way for parents and carers in South Ayrshire to communicate important safety messages to their child."

Michael McDonnell, Director of the Scottish Road Safety Campaign, which administers the Children's Traffic Club in Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, said: "Although road traffic accidents are the single biggest cause of child death due to injury in Scotland, many parents remain unaware that teaching their children about road safety can make a real difference. Unfortunately, the cost of complacency is the loss of young lives. Parents who sign up for the provision of free and practical support from the Children's Traffic Club are actively participating in keeping their children safer on Scotland's roads and we encourage all parents and carers to do the same. "

Membership of the Children's Traffic Club in Scotland is free to all three year olds in Scotland. Registration forms are sent to parents on their child's third birthday and those who join are sent a library of six books over 18 months that can be used by parents and carers to help teach children about road safety.

Proudly sporting his prize T-shirt, Children's Traffic Club in Scotland lucky dip winner, Alexander Syme, from Knockcushan Street, Girvan and his mother, Mrs Alissa Syme, pictured with Councillor Robert Campbell who made the presentation. Alexander also received a baseball cap, pen, mug and a yo-yo.

September 2005