New 20mph Speed Limit At invergordon Academy

A 20mph part-time speed limit goes into operation this week from Tuesday 16th August, 2005 at Invergordon Academy in Ross and Cromarty.

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.

Invergordon Academy is the sixth school to receive a 20mph part time speed limit in Ross and Cromarty area this year, and its addition brings 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.

Local Highland Councillor John Connell said: "I am delighted that we now have a 20mph zone around Invergordon Academy. I am sure 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."

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 Invergordon Academy should be aware that the 20mph part time speed limit applies on school days, Mondays to Fridays as follows: from 07.55 to 0850; 12.50 to1355; and 1530 to15.45.

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 Ross and Cromarty’s 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."