West Cheshire College students pimp police panda for road safety campaign

Feb 24 2010 By James Shepherd

A POLICE Panda van, ‘pimped’ by a winning team of West Cheshire College motor vehicle students is set to be launched at Cheshire Oaks.

The Panda is now completed and will be unveiled on Friday, February 26, as part of the ongoing drive to improve road safety and safer driving, particularly among the young.

The competition, based on the popular TV programme Pimp My Ride, was organised by Cheshire Safer Roads Partnership (CSRP) to give motor vehicle students across the county a chance to ‘pimp’ a police vehicle to their own imaginative design.

The team from West Cheshire College were named the winners and saw their interactive design, which includes high-tech in-car entertainment systems, flat screen TVs and an Xbox, turned into reality.

CSRP manager Lee Murphy said: "Pimp My Panda gave us the opportunity to talk to local young drivers who have a passionate interest in cars and want an input into the road safety issues that matter to them — such as drink and drug driving; using your mobile phone when driving; speeding; and distractions in the car.

"The team from West Cheshire College demonstrated an excellent knowledge of both cars and mechanics, and road safety, coming up with a very innovative design.

"By working together with the students, the Partnership now has a unique vehicle that captures the enthusiasm around the growing interest in car modification and also raises awareness of the risks to young drivers."

College tutor Rob Donald said: "It was a great experience for the four students because it tested their skills in car safety, appearance and design, understanding of mechanics and knowledge of road safety."

Winners John Hall, Michael Francis, Michael James and Steven Rowlands will be joining members of the CSRP to see their vehicle on public display for the first time.

Following the car’s transformation, it will be toured across a variety of events and festivals across Cheshire as an inventive way of interacting with young drivers.

For further information on road safety visit www.mysaferroads.org.uk or for more information on motor vehicle courses call the College Hotline on 01244 670600.