Green light for new speed zones near South Tyneside schools

The sites have have been identified on three main school routes at Temple Park Road, South Shields, Mill Lane in Whitburn and Campbell Park Road in Hebburn which will benefit from flashing lights and an advisory 20 mph speed limit at key times of the school day.

The first of the signs at Temple Park Road has been installed which will mean extra safety for pupils at the nearby Park View and Ashley Road primary schools and St Wilfrid’s RC comprehensive school.

The 20mph advisory limit will apply for one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon. Outside of these times, the signs will function as a normal vehicle activated sign that highlights the speed limit to drivers.

Council chiefs and teachers hope the new signs will provide children and parents with more opportunities to walk or cycle to school.

Coun Moira Smith, lead member for Area Management and Community Safety, said: "The safety of our young people is a key priority for the Council and we believe these flashing signs will help to make their journey to and from school safer.

"We hope these signs will encourage motorists to drive even more carefully at these crucial times when young people are going to and from school.”

Head teacher of Ashley Primary School, Mrs Denise Todd, added: "I am delighted to support any initiative aimed at slowing down traffic on this busy road, particularly when pupils are going to and from school.

"Hopefully these signs will remind drivers to be considerate of other road users when driving and parking close to schools."

The signs at Hebburn and Whitburn, which also includes a new zebra crossing, are due to be in place later in the year.