COUNCIL bosses have apologised for a delayed scheme which would have seen anti-speeding measures imposed on a notorious road outside a primary school.
A walk-out and protest was held outside Oakhill Primary Academy on Doncaster Road last Friday in a bid to slow down speeding drivers and speed up promises for new 20mph signs which should have been installed last month.
Helen Handley, a governor at the school, spearheaded the walk-out and protest after her seven-year-old son Logan was knocked down on the road last year.
The 42-year-old from Stairfoot remains unhappy with the way the council have dealt with speeding on the road, and hoped the protest would encourage drivers to stop and think.
“I was obviously extremely upset over Logan’s accident - then to be told an accident has to be fatal for the council to consider big changes on the road is just ridiculous,” she said.
“He is still scarred from it, he’s petrified of crossing the road even with the help of the crossing patrol.
“I just hope we’ve managed to draw attention to the issue and have encouraged more drivers to be considerate.”
Helen and her son took part in the roadside protest along with classmates and parents.
The protesters had created signs, a bunting line of school jumpers, and were kitted out in high-visibility vests while they shouted chants of ‘slow down’ to oncoming drivers.
Coun Pauline McCarthy, cabinet support member for environment and transport, said: “We’re committed to improving safety on our roads in the borough.
“Oakhill Primary Academy on Doncaster Road is one of the five schools chosen for the 20mph pilot scheme.
“Officers from our traffic team have undertaken surveys in both directions at the school crossing point to measure the current traffic speeds.
“We are extremely sorry that this scheme has been delayed, and I can reassure you that we are working on this as a high priority.
“We are currently liaising with the manufacturer on a date for the signs to be installed.”
John Evans and Tony Grierson from Speed Awareness Group Ardsley (SAGA) - who have campaigned tirelessly for anti-speeding measures on ‘dangerous’ Doncaster Road - also attended the protest.
John said: “I’ve said many times, Ardsley feels like the forgotten village of Barnsley.
“Yes, the council have given us cameras and signs in the past - but the camera has long since burnt out - and the signs are fading.
“When I’ve spoken to the council about this we’ve just been met with a response that they can’t do anything without a higher number of accidents and fatalities.
“They need to review the policy and look at a risk assessment method, rather than waiting until it’s too late and an accident has happened.
“There are several key issues with this road which really need addressing - but these signs are what are important for now.”
