Joy at school speed limit plans (From Worcester News)

Joy at school speed limit plans

7:10am Wednesday 2nd June 2010

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SIX Worcester schools are among 39 in the county being considered for lower speed limits outside their gates.

The shortlist which will benefit from a full speed review was revealed by Worcestershire County Council yesterday.

But despite years of studies and investigations by the council there is still no firm decision on what the new speed limits will be or which streets will be covered.

In some cases, where schools are already surrounded by lower speed limits, it may be a case of installing high-profile signs.

Yesterday the council said eight of the 39 schools already had flashing lights, but it did not know which.

The council will now start consulting the schools and residents to help them make their decision. Included on the list are Cherry Orchard CE Primary School and Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College, both in Timberdine Avenue, where speed has been a source of worry to local residents and parents, who have called for a lower speed limit.

Paul Snookes, a resident of Timberdine Avenue and member of the Green party, said: “We are delighted to hear that Timberdine Avenue is one of the first roads likely to have a 20mph speed limit introduced. The majority of residents, along with both schools, overwhelmingly want this to happen sooner rather than later.

“We have been told that there is every likelihood that this will happen this year. As voters and taxpayers, we expect our elected councillors and local government officials to make this change as soon as possible in order to improve the safety and quality of life of those who live in and use Timberdine Avenue.”

The news their school has been shortlisted will also be welcomed by parents and teachers at Stanley Road Primary School.

The road outside the entrance to the school had been described as a “rat-run” and headmistress Anne Potter said there had already been a frightening number of “near misses”.

Louis Stephen, head of Worcester’s Green Party, who has been campaigning to get the speed limit reduced along Stanley Road and Timberdine Avenue, said: “We are very pleased about the common sense decision to put in 20mph limits at the school.”

The other three schools in Worcester which made it on to the list are Oldbury Park Primary School, Oldbury Road, St John’s; Red Hill CE Primary School, Midhurst Close, off London Road; and St George’s CE Primary School, St George’s Lane North, Barbourne.

Councillor Derek Prodger, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for transport and safe environment, said: “We were set a target by central government in 2000 to reduce the number of serious accidents involving children from 59 a year by 50 per cent over a 10-year period.

“The latest figures show the authority is exceeding that target with a reduction of 76 per cent. However, the speed limit review we are undertaking will help us cut the number of accidents further, which can only be a good thing for Worcestershire.”

The county council will continue to collect any views and concerns about schools not on the list. Anyone wishing to express their view can contact their county councillor, the Worcestershire Hub (worcester shirehub@worcestershire.gov.uk) or the Safer Roads Team (accidentstudies@ worcestershire.gov.uk).

Other schools on the shortlist

Batchley First; Beaconside Primary and Nursery; Burlish Park Primary; Chaddesley Corbett Endowed Primary; Charford First; Chawson Community First; Clent Parochial Primary; Comberton Primary; Cookley Sebright Primary; Feckenham CE First; Foley Park Community Primary; Madresfield CE Primary; Malvern Wells CE Primary; Matchborough First; Moon’s Moat First; Norton Juxta Kempsey CE First; Oak Hill First; Offmore Primary; Saint Barnabas CE First and Middle (Drakes Broughton); St Bede’s Catholic Middle; St Garbiel’s with St Mary’s Primary (Hanley Swan); St Luke’s CE First; St Peter’s Catholic First; The Chase Technology College; Harry Taylor First; Stourport High School and Sixth Form Centre; Vaynor First School and Walkwood CE Middle School; Webheath First and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic First; Westacre Middle and Droitwich Spa High; Wilden All Saints CE Primary; Witton Middle; Woodfield Middle; Woodrush Community High; the Coppice Primary.

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