Drivers Urged To Slow Down Around Lochaber Schools

A 20mph part-time speed limit goes into operation next week from Monday 20th June, 2005 at Ardgour, Fort William R.C., Inverlochy, Lady Lovat, and Lochaline Primary Schools in Lochaber.

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.

Arisaig Primary school was the first to receive a 20mph part time speed limit in Lochaber area earlier this year, and these additions bring the total number of schools benefiting from part time speed limits in Lochaber to six 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 Council Vice Convener Cllr Michael Foxley said: "Cars must slow down near schools and school children because speed kills and maims easily."

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 Lochaber Primaries should be aware that the 20mph part time speed limit applies on school days, Mondays to Fridays as follows:

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 Lochaber’s schools and encourage drivers to slow down.

Area Education Manager, Rosemary Bridge said: "I am delighted that we now have a 20mph zone around six of our school entrances. I am certain that the initiative will make a great difference to the safety of our pupils. I would urge all drivers to be vigilant in observing these new speed limits."

Murdo MacLeod, 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."