South Australia Police's Road Safety Centre has helped more than 500,000 children learn about road rules and pedestrian and cycling safety since it was established more than five decades ago.

Based at the Thebarton Police Barracks since 2013, the centre will midway through this year move to a new state-of-the art complex in the West Beach Parks precinct, on Military Rd.

The new centre will feature an improved mock roadway with an intersection with traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, a roundabout and traffic signs, along with conference and training rooms, bike storage, kitchen spaces and other facilities.

It is being relocated from Port Rd to make way for early works on the $3.2 billion new Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

The Road Safety Centre (pictured left in the 1980s and below in the 1960s) hosts road safety education sessions for schools, businesses and community groups, and is available for community use on weekends and after 2.30pm on weekdays.

Acting Police Commissioner Linda Williams said the new centre would provide an important service and be a unique drawcard to the West Beach area.

“The Road Safety Centre is a great place for children aged between 4 and 13 to learn about road safety and education on road rules, pedestrian and cycle safety in a safe and fun environment,” Ms Williams said.

She said during the 2022-23 financial year, the centre engaged with more than 95,000 community members and conducted over 1050 road safety sessions.

“Other sessions, including Safer Journeys Together, Obtaining Your Motorcycle Licence, School Holiday Program, Young Offender sessions and community groups attending road safety sessions also utilise the centre," Ms Williams said.

Bookings can still be made for the Thebarton centre, and for the new West Beach location, by visiting the Road Safety Centre. Sessions in regional areas are also held.