FTA posts safety notice for Pokémon players

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has warned Pokémon Go players to remain vigilant around its headquarters in Tunbridge Wells.

The building became a Pokéstop – a place players can stock up on in game supplies – after the app’s UK release this month.

Dozens of players have been visiting the FTA site, leading the association to put up a sign on the wall outside to ensure players don’t wander onto the driveway.

FTA facilities manager Liz Hollands said: “The Pokémon game has gone crazy since it was launched last week [July 13] and we’ve had lots of people stopping outside the FTA office in Tunbridge Wells to play.

‘Putting themselves in danger’

“But sometimes they’re so keen to catch a Pokémon that they stand in the driveway, putting themselves in danger as cars come in and out of the car park.

“We have decided to have a special sign made to make sure they stop in a safe place – we don’t want to spoil the fun but it’s important they stay safe as well.”

The sign bearing the Pokémon Go logo says “Stop here – catch them if you can – but stay safe too” and is located near the pedestrian gate to the FTA building in St John’s Road.

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The sign FTA put up to warn Pokémon players

‘Growth in popularity’

The Pokémon franchise – which launched in Japan in 1996 – has seen a growth in popularity following the launch of the mobile app Pokémon Go.

The app allows players to catch the iconic creatures by using their device’s global positioning system (GPS) to find them in the real world.

Public places – such as monuments and well known buildings – have become Pokéstops and Pokémon gyms, including the White House in the US and Buckingham palace in London.

Hundreds of Pokémon food products were produced during the height of the franchise’s popularity in the late 90s to the early 2000s, including cereal, pasta and chocolate.

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Pokémon pop tarts from the late 90s

 

What is Pokémon?

Pokémon – short for Pocket Monsters – is a franchise of games where the player must capture and train the titular creatures in order to become the best Pokémon trainer in the world.

Since its conception in Japan in 1996, there have been more than 60 games released and thousands of Pokémon branded products ranging from toys, food to clothing.