East Coast Truckers convoy future secured
The charity has taken thousands of disadvantaged and disabled children to Great Yarmouth and Pleasurewood Hills in Lowestoft for a day out since 1985.
The future of an annual truckers charity convoy has been secured after organisers reached an agreement with Norfolk Police.
The East Coast Truckers convoy looked in doubt following changes in legislation.
The charity has taken thousands of disadvantaged and disabled children to Great Yarmouth and Pleasurewood Hills in Lowestoft for a day out since 1985.
Convoy director Rob Billman said he was “happy it’s all systems go”.
New safety procedures requested by the police, including safety restraints in the truck cabs for their young passengers, will cost the charity about £5,000.
“It’s a small price to pay, but the biggest chance is we’ll end up with a sponsor for that. At the end of the day the convoy generates a lot of public interest for everything else we do as a charity so the cost shouldn’t be an issue,” said Mr Billman.
“The East Coast Truckers are proud to organise an event which surely must be one of the most unusual means of fundraising. We are grateful to the police and the [Broadland] district council for helping us to keep the event in the calendar.”
‘Precious cargo’
Norfolk Police Assistant Chief Constable Kevin Wilkins said: “Norfolk Constabulary has been supporting the annual charity convoy since it began.
“Our priority is to ensure the safety of all those involved – drivers, children and their carers and, of course, the hundreds of spectators who turn out to cheer on the truckers and their precious cargo.”
He added: “Along with Broadland District Council, we were pleased to assist the forward planning for this year’s event and we are delighted that arrangements are now in place for the children’s convoy to take place again this August.”
The event regularly attracts around 80 trucks to form the convoy. Michelle Taplin, who has a niece with cerebral palsy, is one of the participants.
“We are so grateful to everyone who worked so hard to ensure the convoy continues. It is such an emotional day for everyone,” she said.
The 2012 convoy will take place on 26 August from Norwich to Pleasurewood Hills via the A47 and A12.
