COUNCILLORS in Poulton North are pressing for increased road safety measures outside schools – but stress the importance of parents using their cars less.
A number of meetings have been held at primary schools to discuss parent parking following a couple of accidents and extra road safety training by Police Community Support Officers has been arranged for pupils.
Officers are checking for drivers who park on zig-zag lines and double yellow lines outside schools.
Cllr Geoff Settle (pictured) said: “As a school governor I am very focused on safety issues.
“We have asked Warrington Borough Council’s traffic safety manager for a number of things, such as new flashing collars on the Brook Acre School pedestrian crossing beacons.
“New restricted access signs have been put up near St Bridget’s Primary and we are investigating ways of encouraging parents to use the Peel Hall Park car park.
“Outside Cinnamon Brow Primary School yellow lines need repainting.
“But most important of all, we need parents at all schools to use the car less and be much more considerate to local residents when parking in their roads.
“Car usage is at the heart of the problem. We all need to try and reduce the number of car journeys we make. This will help ease the situation, reduce our carbon footprint and pollution and lead to a healthier lifestyle.”
Elsewhere, six traffic surveys have been carried out across the ward at the request of residents worried about the speed and volume of traffic. In most cases, speeding has been observed – although not as widespread as expected.
Cllr Graham Friend said: “The data is being used to identify where additional safety measures are needed.
“We believe the new 20mph speed limit roll-out will be a key factor in improving safety.”
As a result of complaints about motorists parking on pavements, councillors are carrying out a survey to what the implications are.
Cllr Billy Lines-Rowlands said: “Issues raised include football teams parking on grass verges in Crab Lane, parking that prevents access for wheelchairs and buggies, parking that blocks drives and prevents emergency vehicles from driving down residential roads.
“We are also seeking action to stop mini-mopeds and motor bikes being ridden on pavements.”
