Warning signs for schools

More electronic warning signs are to be installed around the Wyre Forest to improve safety near schools.

The go-ahead was today given to plans to install the flashing signs following an outcry from parents about dangers to children from speeders. The computer-operated signs are fitted with powerful light units.

They are programmed to operate at the start and end of the school day.

Costing about £4,000 each to install, the signs alert motorists to the possibility of children being on the roads at certain times and to slow down.

There are already signs near nine schools including Ombersley Endowed First School at Ombersley, Lindridge St Lawrence's CE Primary School at Tenbury Wells and Great Witley CE First School.

Now 12 more signs are planned for Worcestershire and others for the Wyre Forest district are in the pipeline.

They include signs at Hartlebury CE Primary School, near Kidderminster, Hanbury CE First School, near Bromsgrove, and Abberley Primary School, near Bewdley.

Road safety officials in the county claim that work on installing the signs and improving infrastructure as well as enforcement action is having an effect with the number accidents involving children falling. They are placed in areas where concerns have been raised by parents and teachers.

Councillor Derek Prodger, county spokesman for Transport and Safe Environment, said: "These computer-operated signs are part of a programme of work that aims to protect vulnerable road users.

"The early indications suggest that the signs have been very well received by the schools, pedestrians and road-users.

"The future of the programme now depends on how effective the current signs are in terms of speed reduction."