TWELVE primary schools across Barnsley could see 20mph signs placed outside them in a bid to improve road safety for children.
At last week’s full council meeting, the issue around road safety arose following previous plans put forward to Barnsley Council’s ruling cabinet members.
Coun Steve Hunt, who represents Darton East with the Lib Dems, said: “An additional £2m of highways investment was included within the 2022/23 budget.
“This was for highways safety measures including expanding advisory 20mph limits outside schools and schemes suggested by elected members.
“Please could the cabinet member provide an update on progress on this important road safety initiative?”
Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways, confirmed that almost 100 schools had been assessed as part of the project.
He said: “Following the recruitment of a dedicated project leader joining in 2022, and working in our school patrol co-ordinator, 74 schools in the borough have been assessed.
“Using the existing school crossing patrol risk assessment processes, 12 more schools have been earmarked for the 20mph road signage scheme which includes changes to the existing TROs.
“Recommendations for further road safety improvements have also been made but these are unique to each location.
“Detailed consultation with the 12 schools is set to start before the Christmas break and there service is currently tendering for the initial 20mph signage.
“Improving road safety outside our primary schools is a priority but the interventions must address the local issues if they are to have the desired effect.
“The introduction of advisory 20mph speed signs is only one of the tools deployed by our officers to improve road safety at our schools.”
However Coun Hunt said he was ‘slightly concerned’ that 62 of the 74 primary schools which have been assessed seem to be set to have no changes made to them despite a clamour from parents and education institutions.
Other aspects of the initiative are well underway - with a number of roads being geared up for safety changes.
“I can confirm that the improvement at Park Street in Wombwell have been ordered,” he added.
“The schemes for Shaw Lane, Cudworth, Pontefract Road, Hoyle Mill and Sheffield Road in Penistone will be delivered in the new year.”
Elsewhere across the borough, Broadcarr Road in Hoyland, Paddock Road in Mapplewell and the A616 Hazelhead to Victoria are also undergoing assessments.
“The remaining ten schemes are under initial review,” Coun Higginbottom added.
