Speed Sign - Pic: Craig Rodway

Two schools in Tamworth will see speed limits on the roads around the school, reduced to 20mph in an ambitious new scheme launched by Staffordshire County Council.  The scheme building on the success of the trials run across the county over the past school year.

Both Glascote Heath Primary School and Wilnecote High School will be put in place between now and Christmas and it is planned that this will reduce the risk to children in the Tamworth area.

County Councillor Mike Maryon, Cabinet member for Highways and Road Safety said:

“Road safety is a top priority for Staffordshire and this ambitious scheme clearly reflects that view.

“Ideally, I would like to roll this system out across the entire county straight away but we have more than 400 schools and are facing incredibly challenging financial times. We are carefully balancing and prioritising the resources that we have to get maximum results for our communities.

“Motorists also have a responsibility to reduce their speed when driving past schools. Residents have told us that they want action on this issue and we have listened.”

Speaking specifically about the effects on the local area, County Councillor Lee Bates said:

“This is a first class safety scheme and I am sure it will receive full support from the community.

“The aim of the project is to drastically change driver behaviour. We don’t want motorists putting children at risk by speeding past schools when the pupils are being dropped off or picked up. The impact of the 20mph zones could potentially be lifesaving.”

Staffordshire already the best in the UK for child road safety. It’s a position achieved through innovative road safety action, including the Walking Bus and Safer Routes to School programmes and a host of education and training projects. The 20mph zone initiative is a continuation of a winning formula.

County Councillor Brian Beale, who represents the area that Glascote Heath Primary School falls into, added:

“These signs give motorists a clear warning – slow down around schools. Hit a child at 20mph and they have a chance of surviving – but this drops dramatically by 30mph.

“I am looking forward to other schools in and around Tamworth benefitting from this part time 20mph zone during the coming year.”