Bid to cut speed outside schools

Councillor Mike Maryon said drivers' attitudes should change

Motorists are to be urged to keep their speed to 20mph outside schools in Staffordshire.

The county council is to put up electronic speed-activated signs outside eight schools.

St Peter's Primary School in Hixon will be one of them while the other seven will be confirmed over the summer, a council spokesman said.

Councillor Mike Maryon said the aim was to change drivers' attitudes towards their speed outside schools.

He said: "It's quite mad that people will drive fast past the school gate, especially when there are children milling around and crossing the road.

'Accept responsibility'

"Hit a kid at 20mph and they have a chance of surviving, but this drops dramatically by 30mph."

Mr Maryon added: "This trial of the flashing vehicle-activated signs will focus on changing drivers' attitudes and behaviours.

"They need to accept responsibility and slow down. Children and their parents have a right to feel safe walking to school."

Speed surveys will be carried out during the trial, which will begin in September, and parents will be consulted in January.

The number of children killed or seriously injured on the roads in the county fell from 21 in 2007 to 17 in 2008.