Schools’ drive for safety
Pupils and staff from several Calder Valley primary schools are meeting at Calder High to discuss plans for 20mph zones.
Several schools in the upper Calder Valley are looking to set up 20mph zones on roads in the vicinity due to concerns about children’s safety.
The recently formed interschool council – which consists of staff and pupils from Calder High, Burnley Road Academy, Hebden Royd Primary, Riverside, Cragg Vale, Scout Road Academy, Wood Bank, Luddenden Foot Academy and Midgley School – is worried about the speed at which motorists travel on approaches to and from the schools and would like to see traffic calming measures introduced.
Members have met with representatives from Calderdale Council to talk through their ideas.
Teacher Jan Healey, from Calder High School, said: “It was a great opportunity for all the schools to let the youngsters discuss their ideas and perceptions.
“A lot of it is about drivers being aware of children.
“We don’t want it to be a child’s life before people start driving at 20mph.”
Other ideas to make children feel safer include setting up a walking bus scheme at the schools and painting footprints on the paths so pupils have a safe route to follow.
Luddenden Foot ward councillor Simon Young shares the interschool council’s concerns.
“The issue of speeding traffic and the actions of some thoughtless drivers is a real concern,” he said.
“I believe that 20mph zones should be introduced around every Calderdale school and would welcome the opportunity to work with these young people to lobby for this.”
A spokesperson for Calderdale Council said: “Calderdale Council is introducing 20mph speed limits in selected residential areas to help make our streets safer for everyone.
“We have evaluated all road casualties over the last five years to help us rank those areas that may benefit from a 20mph limit.
“Further plans for additional 20mph areas are under consideration and no commitment can be made at this time on future schemes.
“20mph speed limit areas are a long term plan and not a solution for all areas.
“Driver behaviour and attitudes also need to change and our aim is for residents to understand the benefit that driving more slowly and safely in residential areas has for them, their family and their neighbours.
“Schools can play a major part in this and we will continue to work with schools to promote this message.”
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Saturday 18 May 2013
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