Drivers Urged To Goslow At Newmore Primary School

A 20mph part-time speed limit goes into operation today (Monday 27th June, 2005) at Newmore Primary School 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.

Newmore Primary school is the fifth school to benefit from a 20mph part time speed limit in Ross and Cromarty this year, the others including Conon, Hilton of Cadboll, Lochcarron and Mulbuie Primaries.

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 Carolyn Wilson said: "Just because Newmore Primary is on a rural road doesn’t mean that the traffic goes any slower, in fact it is sometimes quite the opposite. Speeding is selfish – it’s a tragedy when children and adults are killed or injured on the roads because selfish drivers put their own journeys first."

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 Newmore Primary should be aware that the 20mph part time speed limit applies on school days, Mondays to Fridays from 08.35 – 0910; 12.30 – 13.15; and 15.00 – 1515.

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 Highland schools and encourage drivers to slow down.

Morag Wright, Acting Head Teacher at Newmore Primary said: "I am delighted that we now have a 20mph zone around our school entrance. 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 the new speed limits."

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."