Drivers urged To Go Slow At Caithness Schools

Part-time 20mph speed limits go into operation this week from Tuesday 16th August, 2005 at Thurso High School, Miller Academy and Halkirk Primary.

With the help of £2.157M funding from the Scottish Executive, The Highland Council aims to get the message across that slowing down near schools saves lives and that reducing the speed limit to 20 mph outside schools significantly improves the safety of children walking or cycling to school.

Mount Pleasant Primary school was the first to receive a 20mph part time speed limit in Caithness area earlier this year, and these additions bring the total number of schools benefiting from part time speed limits in Highland to 26 at present. These schools are part of an ongoing programme for the next four years, which will see all schools in the Highlands with 20mph speed limits.

Highland Councillor Roger Saxon, Chairman of the Caithness Education, Culture and Sport Committee said: "I am delighted that we now have four schools in Caithness with 20mph zones and I look forward to the remaining schools in Caithness getting their speed reduction signs also. It is essential that cars slow down near schools and our school children because speed kills and maims easily. I would urge all drivers to be extra vigilant and observe these new speed limits."

"Reducing our speed from 30 to 20mph more than doubles the survival rate of pedestrians in an impact.  Children are particularly vulnerable, because of their height in relation to a car and their different perception of the dangers."

Roads outside schools can be notoriously dangerous places for children travelling to and from the classroom. Injury accidents have fallen by 60%, child pedestrian accidents by 70% and child cyclist accidents by 48% where these 20mph designated measures are put in place.

Drivers travelling near the Caithness schools should be aware that the 20mph part time speed limit applies on school days, Mondays to Fridays as follows:

Halkirk Primary from 08.45 to 09.35; 12.30 to 13.35; and 15.00 to 15.30.

Miller Academy from 08.30 to 09.20; 12.30 to 13.35; and 15.00 to 15.30.

Thurso High from 08.30 to 09.05; 12.40 to 13.35; and 15.30 to 15.45.

With research showing that 20 mph speed limits are an effective vehicle for reducing the number of accidents and severity of casualties on our roads, it is clear to see why all drivers including parents must abide by them. The Highland Council hopes that the new 20 mph signs will raise awareness of the 20 mph speed limit outside Caithness schools and encourage drivers to slow down.

Drew Anderson, Highland Council’s Traffic Technician said: "Since implementing the part time 20mph zones around Highland primary schools we have had positive feedback from the public and school staff that the signs are making a difference. However, we cannot be complacent and I would urge those drivers who are still ignoring the signs to give more consideration to the speed limit which is only in operation part time when pupils are coming to and from school."