FOCUSED on reducing the harm too often caused on West Mercia’s roads, Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion is giving young people the chance to take the wheel, change lanes, and steer the future of transport across the three counties.

To help deliver the project, Mr Campion has contributed £8,000 toward the work of the Young Drivers’ Commission, which is calling on 17‑ to 24‑year‑olds across Herefordshire to get involved.

The Commission wants to hear directly from young people - the people who actually use our transport networks every day.

Whether they’re learning to drive, already driving, relying on buses and trains, or getting lifts with friends, young people see first‑hand where the challenges are. They know what works, what doesn’t, and what needs to change.

This opportunity, also taking place in other parts of the country and will see Young Commissioners work with peers, hear from road safety experts, develop recommendations, and present them directly to decision‑makers.

Applications are open until Friday, September 18 via leaders-unlocked.org.

Mr Campion said: “Harm on our roads continues to have a profound impact on families and communities across West Mercia. Young people are often among those most affected, and they are also the ones who see first‑hand where the problems lie.

“Those who travel, learn to drive, rely on public transport or share lifts with friends understand the reality of our transport networks better than anyone.

“Their insight is essential, and it must be heard, listened to and acted upon - with the Young Drivers’ Commission a powerful way to make that happen.”

Rose Dowling, chief executive of Leaders Unlocked said: "This initiative will give young people a unique opportunity to influence change by developing local and national recommendations to make driving safer and fairer for young people.”