Ł1 million Electrical Safety Fund opens for applications

A record Ł1 million will be available to local groups and organisations, funding initiatives to protect people from electrical risks in the home, a charity announces.

From Monday, 1 September 2025, applications will open as part of consumer safety charity Electrical Safety First's Annual Electrical Safety Fund, breathing life into local projects aimed at educating the public, protecting them against the risks posed by electrical dangers and encouraging safer consumer behaviours.

This year, the Fund is also open to organisations looking to deliver safer electrical installations in homes and communities.

Last year, the Fund supported more than 100 projects, reaching nearly half a million people across all parts of the United Kingdom and directly benefiting 47,000 individuals through initiatives, such as repair cafes, portable appliance testing and replacement events.

Immersive initiatives were also funded, including:- virtual reality experiences raising the profile of electrical dangers to School children, as well as theatre productions in Schools and safety workshops for vulnerable groups.

Among them was Flosverse, an educational social enterprise based in Scotland that created a virtual reality experience allowing users to walk through a home and test their knowledge on whether its electrical appliances were being used safely or pose a risk.

Another project, the Safe Home Initiative led by electrical testing organisation Hawkesworth and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, tackled the growing risks posed by unsafe and often counterfeit electrical products sold online. They offered free home visits to vulnerable residents to carry out safety inspections, test electrical items and provide advice or replacements where needed.

Samuel Terry, Research and Outreach Manager, at Electrical Safety First, said:- "Our Electrical Safety Fund provides vital support to organisations working at the heart of their communities to keep people safe. Electricity is part of our everyday lives and often overlooked, but when the wiring or products in our homes are faulty, poorly made or misused, the consequences can be devastating. Last year, the fund supported more than 100 projects which reached thousands of people across the country. By backing innovative local projects that raise awareness, change behaviour and tackle dangerous electrical installations and products head-on, we can help prevent tragedies and make a real difference to people's lives."

Applications are encouraged:- from a range of not for profit organisations, including:- fire and rescue services, trading standards authorities, community safety organisations, charities and educational institutions.

Interested organisations and community groups have from:- Monday, 1 September until Sunday, 12 October to apply. To apply, please visit:- ElectricalSafetyFirst.Org.UK.

CCTV to target reckless drivers at School crossings

SINCE the start of the year in Liverpool, a shocking 436 vehicles have refused to stop for School crossings. Now Liverpool City Council (LCC) is taking decisive action ahead of the new School year to improve road safety around Schools by introducing mobile CCTV cameras at key School Crossing Patrol (SCP) sites.

This initiative aims to tackle the growing issue of:- "Drive through; incidents where drivers illegally fail to stop when directed by a School Crossing Patrol Officer. The cameras, which will be rotated between:- the City's worst affected locations, are part of a broader campaign to educate drivers about their legal responsibilities and to deter dangerous behaviour. Footage captured will be used as evidence for prosecution where necessary. It is illegal and incredibly dangerous not to stop when instructed by a School Crossing Patrol. These patrols are there to protect some of our most vulnerable road users; children and families crossing the road to and from School. Ignoring them puts lives at risk."

Key Messages for Drivers:-

It is illegal not to stop when directed by a School Crossing Patrol.
Failing to stop endangers children and other pedestrians.
Drivers who ignore SCP instructions will be reported.
CCTV is now in use to record and prosecute drive through offences.

School Crossing Patrols play a hugely positive role in the community. These patrols are a vital part of ensuring children can travel to School safely, encouraging active travel such as walking and helping to reduce the number of vehicles on roads. Their presence should be respected and supported by all road users.

The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 makes it an offence not to stop when signalled by a School Crossing Patrol. Penalties can include a fine of up to Ł1,000, 3 penalty points, and even disqualification from driving.

This initiative is in addition to the School Streets restrictions which will see up to 50 locations across Liverpool getting traffic camera enforcement to either reduce or calm motorised traffic.

Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said:- "The safety of our children must be a top priority, and it's deeply worrying that some drivers are ignoring the clear instructions of our School Crossing Patrol officers. These patrols are there to protect young lives, and failing to stop is not only illegal; it's reckless. I fully support the introduction of CCTV at key sites to hold dangerous drivers accountable and to reinforce the message that this behaviour will not be tolerated in Liverpool. I urge all drivers to slow down near Schools, be vigilant, and always obey the instructions of School Crossing Patrol officers. Together, we can make our roads safer for everyone."

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Ł1 million Electrical Safety Fund opens for applications

CCTV to target reckless drivers at School crossings