New 20mph speed limits to help keep schoolchildren safe

Seven school sites on major routes across the borough of Bury are set to benefit from part-time advisory 20mph speed limits.

Part of Bury StreetSafe Strategy, the new advisory speed limits will be put in place over the next few months at the following locations: 

• Helmshore Road - outside Emmanuel Holcombe CE Primary School;
• Longsight Road - outside Holcombe Brook Primary School;
• Bury Street - outside Radcliffe Hall Primary School;
• Bolton Road, Hawkshaw - outside St Mary's CE Primary School;
• Bury Old Road - outside Prestwich Preparatory School;
• Ainsworth Road, Bury - near to Chantlers Primary School;
• Stand Lane, Radcliffe - near to Chapelfield Primary School.

The use of part-time advisory speed limits is authorised by the Secretary of State. Their operation is indicated by flashing amber hazard warning lights on approaches to schools. These will be in operation in the mornings before school and afterwards at going home time when a school crossing patrol is in attendance. At other times, when the warning lights are switched off, the advisory speed limit will not apply and the speed limit will remain at 30mph. 

Councillor Tony Isherwood, cabinet member for environment, said: “Slowing motorists down can make all the difference if a collision should occur. A child has a much better chance of survival if they are hit by a car travelling at 20mph rather than 30mph: that’s why introducing these new limits and improving road safety for our young people is really important. 

“So, if you are a motorist that travels in these areas at these times, the message is simple: slow down, always look out for pedestrians and remember that speeding is not only dangerous, it can have disastrous consequences.”

Bury StreetSafe strategy was launched in February 2013. The strategy aims to improve road safety in residential streets and estates and make neighbourhoods throughout the borough better places to live. So far 16 20mph zones have been or are in the process of being introduced and a further eight are currently being consulted on. 

For more information about Bury StreetSafe, to take the motorist’s pledge or find out about the latest consultations, visit www.bury.gov.uk/streetsafe 

ENDS

Press release issued: 22 January 2014.