Teo, 8, creates superhero The Reducer to help battle speeding

MEET the 'superhero' given the task of helping win the battle to bring down driving speeds across the Capital.

The Reducer by seven-year-old Teo Edwin Gonzalez from Tollcross Primary. Picture: contributed

The Reducer has been created by eight-year-old Teo Edwin Gonzalez, a pupil at Tollcross Primary, as part of a school competition aimed at finding a mascot for Edinburgh’s new 20mph network.

Youngsters were set the goal of creating a character to represent the citywide scheme, with the Reducer picked as the overall winner from 360 other entries.

Teo said it was a “big surprise” for his drawing to be chosen. But he is looking forward to seeing his superhero become the face of the 20mph speed limit – the first to be implemented in a Scottish city.

The youngster, who also won vouchers for a new bike, said: “The Reducer can sense people that are going too fast and has a bright outfit so people can see him. His shield is like a road sign. He is a hero because people need help to slow down.

“I came up with idea after talking to my dad about how I wanted my mascot to be a superhero.”

The mascot competition was open to all P1-7 pupils in Edinburgh, with junior road safety officers encouraging children to design and name a 20mph mascot in their school.

One winner was then picked from each primary group.

City bosses have praised the winning drawing.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, transport leader, said: “We had such a fantastic selection of entries from schools right across the city.

“In the end we picked Teo’s design for The Reducer. He’s an eye-catching character with a clear message about the need to slow down and stick to the 20mph limit.

“We’ll be seeing a lot of The Reducer as the new limits get rolled out all over Edinburgh over the next couple of years. “Congratulations to all the winners.”

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