Vital public health messages are going mobile in Somerset as Somerset County Council uses its fleet of highways vehicles to spread the word about some of the best ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

From this week, around 29 Council vans will be seen around Glastonbury along with Yeovil, Taunton, Minehead and Bridgwater areas sporting important public health messages.

The three messages they will be displaying are:

Catch it bin it kill it

Stay safe save lives: Somerset's landscapes will still be here

Wash your hands for 20 seconds: protect yourself, keep your family safe

This is a pilot scheme which could be extended to more vans and more areas in the future.

Councillor Clare Paul, Cabinet Member for Public Health & Well-being and Climate Change at Somerset County Council said today: "This is just another way to make sure these vital messages get across.

"Of course, we are using many other platforms including social media, but this is a great way to get these messages out there in front of people's eyes.

"Long term we are considering using advertising on our fleet of highways vehicles as an income generator for the Council.  But I can't think of a better way to pilot the project."

The banners can be removed, stored and re-used again in the future if needed.  But for now watch out – they may be coming to a street near you!

For more information about Somerset County Council's response to the coronavirus emergency you can sign up for regular email updates here:

the council site.