CHILDREN could be at risk on Dorset roads as they switch from primary to secondary school next week, experts say.

The new term will be the first time many have travelled to school on their own.

Road safety experts say parents need to make sure their children are prepared for walking, cycling or taking the bus.

In Bournemouth each pupil has already received an advice booklet from the local authority.

And pupils in the Poole and Dorset County Council areas have been urged to follow travel plans devised by individual schools.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) says 3,000 children will be killed or seriously injured on Britain's roads this year.

A change of school is seen as a major danger point for 11 to 15-year-olds.

Claire Elkins, road safety officer for Bournemouth council, said: "Before children leave primary school we send magazines for them and books for teachers and parents. We have been doing this for years to encourage children to take care on the roads."

Martin Baker, Senior Engineer for Road Safety, Borough of Poole, said: "We work closely with schools to promote safer journeys to and from school through travel plans.

"These include highlighting routes children can use safely, traffic calming measures and schemes such as cycling proficiency.

"Surveys carried out at schools during term time highlight any safety issues.

"Road safety education can be incorporated into school assemblies and classes through demonstrations, activities and talks."

Neil Greig, director of the IAM Motoring Trust, urged parents to practise their new route to school with their children before the start of term.

"Help the child identify dangers and pick safe crossing points now and they will be better equipped when term begins," he said.