Children from a Derby primary school have been finding out how National Highways keep traffic moving and people safe on motorways

Traffic Officer Elliott Flynn and Catherine Martin, an operator in the Regional Operations Centre, visited the reception classes at Brackensdale Spencer Academy in Mackworth as part of a topic the youngsters are doing about real-life superheroes.

The children found out about the role of traffic officers and control room staff in responding to incidents and helping road users before trying on uniforms and hard hats. They were then given the chance to explore a traffic officer vehicle and incident response unit to see the equipment carried and technology used.

Elliott and Catherine were accompanied by National Technology Relationship Manager Adam Simpson whose five-yar-old daughter Sofia attends the school.

Adam, a former control room operator, said: “It was a really great way to engage with a young audience and teach them about what we do. Hopefully the next time they’re travelling with their families on the motorway they’ll see one of our patrols and remember how we are there to help those who run into difficulty.

“They certainly enjoyed dressing up and being able to get in our vehicles. Maybe we met a Traffic Officer of the future during our visit.”

Lauren Sayers, Early Years Lead at Brackensdale Spencer Academy, said:

“Our children absolutely loved their visit from the National Highways team. They were very excited to hear about the roles of the heroes of the motorway and especially enjoyed exploring the vehicles and uniform! We'd like to thank Adam and the team for taking the time to visit us and for keeping us safe on the motorways!"