800 reflective safety kits to be distributed to for winter

Sunday 23 November 2025 9:00

DERRY and Strabane Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) has teamed up with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to help keep local schoolchildren safe this winter by providing 800 reflective safety kits for distribution across the area.

As the dark nights draw in, and children make their journeys to and from school in reduced visibility, the initiative aims to ensure young pedestrians are clearly visible to motorists during the winter months when the risk of road traffic incidents increases.

Local police officers will distribute the reflective kits to schoolchildren throughout Derry City and Strabane, providing protection during morning and evening commutes when daylight is limited.

Keith Kerrigan, chair of Derry and Strabane PCSP, said: "The safety of our children is paramount, and as we enter the darker months of the year it's crucial that we take proactive steps to keep them safe.

"These reflective kits are a simple, but effective way to ensure our young people are visible when they're out and about.

"We're delighted to work with our PSNI colleagues to get these kits into the hands of schoolchildren across Derry and Strabane, and we hope parents and guardians will encourage their children to use them every time they're out in low light conditions."

Chief Inspector Graeme Craig added: “It’s crucial everyone stays safe, and this includes children walking and cycling to and from school.

"This is a fantastic, really practical initiative that will benefit hundreds of schoolchildren across Derry City and Strabane, and make a difference.

“We urge parents and guardians to encourage use of these kits, have conversations with children so they understand why being seen and being visible to other road users is so important.

“We’re delighted to work with our partners in Derry and Strabane PCSP and look forward to being out and about across the city and District, engaging with schools to distribute these safety kits and raising awareness about pedestrian safety.”