MK City Council challenge city pupils to design road safety banners

Milton Keynes City Council are inviting the city’s primary school children to take part in a creative new competition aimed at improving road safety outside school gates. 

The Park Smart Banner Competition, delivered in partnership with local radio station MKFM, is intended to encourage children to design bright and eye-catching banners promoting safe and considerate parking during the school run.  

The winner will receive a brand-new bike, and their design will be professionally produced as a banner that will be made available free of charge to all schools across Milton Keynes. 

In addition, the winner’s school will also be offered a prize of either child safety bollards or secure cycle parking.  

Two runners-up will each receive a £50 high street shopping voucher.  

How to enter: 

• Visit www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/road-safety and download the template entry form
• Create your design inside the banner shape on the template using bright colours and a catchy message.
• Send your entry to the City Council before 5pm on Friday 12 June by email to [email protected] or drop off to the Council’s Civic office, Saxon Gate East, Milton Keynes, MK9 3EJ. 

The competition is open to all primary school children in Milton Keynes, with entries accepted via schools or individually through parents or guardians.  

A shortlist of three designs will be shared anonymously on MKFM’s social media channels between 19–22 June, where the public will vote to decide the overall winner. Prizes will be awarded in early July.  

Councillor Kerrie Bradburn, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation at Milton Keynes City Council, said, “This fantastic competition is a great way to involve children in an issue that affects them every day. By encouraging creativity, we’re also giving young people a voice to help remind drivers to park safely and considerately. 

“We know that parking around school gates can be challenging, but small changes in behaviour can make a big difference. These banners will help spread an important message across Milton Keynes and support safer journeys for everyone.”