POTENTIALLY life-saving flashing 20mph speed limit signs have been switched on for the new term outside a notoriously busy Uttoxeter school as part of a trial project.
Staffordshire County Council has installed the electronic speed indication devices on Stone Road, outside Oldfields Hall Middle School, where speed has long been a concern for teachers and parents.
Henry Prince First School, in Mayfield, Hutchinson Memorial First School, in Checkley and St Peters Primary School, in Hixon, are among the 16 locations across Staffordshire taking part in the first wave of the project.
The initial phase of the project will run until December. In January, the 16 signs will be moved on to the next wave of schools which will be announced later this year.
The 20 is plenty signs will be in operation during school run times to protect pupils, but ensure that traffic flows are unaffected when children are in class, and during school holidays.
County Councillor Geoff Morrison, who represents Uttoxeter Town which covers Oldfields, said the scheme had overwhelming support from parents and the local community.
He said: “This is a first class road safety scheme. The signs act as a reminder for motorists to be extra careful on the approach to schools. One young person being injured or even worse killed on the roads is far too many.”
As well as tackling speeding motorists around schools the initiative also hopes to increase the number of children walking and cycling to school, improving health and wellbeing, saving parents money on petrol and easing congestion.
County council leader Philip Atkins, whose Uttoxeter Rural ward includes Henry Prince First School, in Mayfield, said the council was responding to local wishes and need.
He said: “The 20mph school safety zones (pictured above) will help to alter driver behaviour which will in turn have a big impact on improving safety on our roads.
“Mayfield village asked for this to happen for some time, so not only are we responding to local wishes but also need.
“This will encourage parents to walk their children to school. If a child is unfortunately hit at 20mph they have a far higher chance of surviving.”
