Road safety warnings have been sounded around the country following the launch of ‘Pokémon Go’ – a popular new smartphone game which sees players take to the streets in search of virtual reality cartoon creatures.

 

The aim of the game is to ‘catch’ and collect a variety of Pokémon characters in real life locations, using the GPS on their smartphone to locate them. But concern has arisen that pedestrians are not fully aware of their surroundings while engrossed in the game.

 

“The major concern is that the player walks, cycles, or gets on/off a bus while at the same time using and watching their mobile device – with a reduced awareness for road safety,” said Westminster City Council’s road safety officer Carla Lowe.

 

The Safer Essex Roads Partnership also issued a warning to ‘phone zombies’ hooked on the game. “Please remember that your safety comes before catching that Drowzee or Squirtle.

 

“Let someone know where you’re going, be aware of your surroundings and follow all normal road safety advice,” it urged. Other local road safety teams and police services around the country released similar guidance.

 

Motoring group the RAC is also worried that the popularity of the game could see the illegal use of hand held mobile phones while driving reach new levels. “It is critical that drivers are not tempted to have the app running on their mobile phones when driving,” said the group’s road safety spokesman Pete Williams.

 

“The risks are obvious but this feels like a whole new level of gaming addiction and yet another reason for people to be glued to their smartphones instead of looking where they are going.”

 

Police in North Wales were also forced to issue a warning last week after it received a report that two young people had been seen on their phones – presumably playing Pokémon Go – on the A55 dual carriageway near Holyhead.

 

North Wales Police head of community safety Superintendent Jane Banham added: “With schools closing for the summer holidays there will be many children taking to the streets to play the game. However, we are asking players to exercise common sense while playing to make sure they are aware of their surroundings.”

 

(Photo: Robert Couse-Baker and licensed for reuse under this Creative Common Licence)