Walsall school celebrates new crossing

The zebra crossing, outside Whitehall Junior School in Delves Road, Walsall features 'children crossing' signage with LED beacons.

Headteacher of the school Mrs Liz Attwood contacted Councillor Mohammed Arif last year raising children safety concerns following near misses.

Councillor Arif raised these concerns with the Traffic Safety team in the Highways department to carry our traffic surveys.

Immediate action to erect 'school zone' signage were erected in Delves Road in both directions on approaches to the school.

St. Matthew's ward Councillor, Mohammed Arif said: "Children's safety is paramount and even with reduced budgets we will not compromise their safety of.

"Delves Road is very busy and I am pleased that Walsall Council has been able to introduce these measures to warn motorists to take more care as they approach Whitehall School.

"There is no school crossing warden so it is important we do everything possible to reduce speeds around the school for the safety of school children.

"I want to urge parents to walk to school and if they have to drive then park away from the school zone."

Whitehall Junior School were asked to join in the Council's A Stars Active Travel programme that looks to promote a healthier lifestyle in children through encouraging sustainable travel and road safety.

The children joined by volunteer parents have been working with the Traffic Safety team on community walks, learning about crossing road safety and crossing safely with bikes

To complement the range of initiatives promoted through the programme the Walsall Council implemented the introduction of a School Safety Zone on Delves Road to help maintain low vehicle speeds and improve safety around the school entrance.

The new measures were implemented during the half term break. These included new gateways at the start of the School zone incorporating 'School Zone' road markings, SLOW markings on red, high-friction surfacing within the school as well as a high friction surface on approach to zebra crossing. Chair of Governors Colleen Jones added: " I know Councillor Mohammed Arif well and he works hard in the local community.

"On behalf of the school governors, staff, parents and children I want to thank him for working with the school to bring about this investment.

"I also want to extend our thanks to Traffic Safety department and in particular Adam Cross for working on safety work."