£75k project makes school roads safer
A £75,000 scheme to cut speed limits and revise road layouts in a bid to boost safety outside a school is being introduced following a period of consultation.
Residents have been consulted about the improvements on roads around Lapal Primary School in Halesowen – but aspects have faced objections.
Speed bumps, parking restrictions and new signs will also be added in a bid to improve safety for families travelling to the school.
Lapal Primary has been made part of Dudley Council's Safer Routes to School scheme.
The plans were first raised around 12 months ago but have been subject to lengthy consultation ever since.
Priory Road will be made into a one-way route in the new year from the junction with Carters Lane.
The move comes after concerns regarding the street being clogged by parking cars including during school times.
Speed limits will be cut from 30mph to 20mph in Manor Lane in the coming weeks as part of the project.
Parking restrictions have already been introduced in Spies Lane near the supermarket and dental practice during the initial stage of works.
A zebra crossing is also being created to improve access for people walking to and from the school , based in Priory Road.
Around 200 households had been consulted by the council on proposals to revise roads in the area.
In total, 27 objections were received alongside a 51-strong petition from residents of Manor Abbey Road outside the consultation area.
Main concerns focused on making Priory Road one-way.
However, after three meetings with people over the issue, the move was pursued by the council. Councillors welcomed the move, saying the safety of children must be a priority.
Dudley Council cabinet member Councillor Hilary Bills said: "I think we have worked together with residents on the scheme.
"At the end of the day it is all about making it safer for children going to school.
"The majority of people have backed the plans for Priory Road. People have been parking along both sides of the road, meaning cars could not get through. The one-way system would be an improvement."
The costs for the works will be signed off by Councillor Bills on January 5.
Other roads in the borough are also being considered being made part of the Safer Routes to School scheme.
Campaigners have been in talks with Councillor Bills to have speed limits cut in Lawnswood Road outside Belle Vue primary School, in Wordsley.
