CALLS for a width restriction to prevent HGVs from thundering past a primary school on a busy-but-narrow road at peak times have been dismissed although a measure which is designed to slow traffic down will be brought in.

Barugh Green Primary School has thrown its support behind one of its governors, Shirley Musgrave, who has called on Barnsley Council to step in to prevent the likelihood of a fatal collision following two crashes involving HGVs and parked cars in recent months.

She says Higham Common Road’s heavy traffic particularly at peak times has long been a cause for concern due to the number of large vehicles using the route.

It’s a problem that’s been exacerbated by the removal of the railway bridge at the opposite end of the stretch of road, which has effectively ‘opened the floodgates’ and allowed HGVs to access the route according to the governor.

She said: “It’s been bad for many years now but we’re at the stage where something really must be done to prevent accidents from occurring as there’s been two recently.

“On both occasions it’s involved HGVs, which are clearly too wide for the road, colliding with parked cars belonging to a teaching assistant and on another occasion, a parent.

“The HGV driver didn’t even know he’d hit a car during the first incident so it doesn’t bear thinking about if that had been a child, of which there are many on pavements during the morning and afternoon peak times.

“There’s a growing concern in the school as HGVs are often seen mounting pavements and I believe a width restriction needs to be enforced. The road should be closed to anything exceeding a little delivery van before someone is killed, or have we to wait for that before action is taken?”

Despite road-narrowing bollards being installed nearby the school and further up the road, HGVs continue to use the route to cut through from Dodworth. Coun Roy Miller, cabinet spokesperson, said the council has been in touch with the school in light of the fresh request but ruled out a width restriction being imposed.

He said: “We have been in contact with the school to discuss this matter and our teams have carried out investigations straight away in order to review the complaints.

“In 2008, after the opening of Dodworth bypass, residents requested the introduction of a weight restriction on Higham Common Road and Higham Lane as they considered HGV traffic had increased to an unacceptable level.

“A police traffic officer carried out a detailed investigation and provided a comprehensive response to the enquiry.

“Although this was carried out in March 2008, the points made are still valid and explain the reasons why the police would formally object to any proposed weight or width restriction.

“Even if a restriction was processed, operators and drivers of HGVs who have chosen to use Higham Common Road as a route would continue to do so.

“The time and monetary operating loss by using an alternative route would be more than worth the remote chance of being prosecuted by the police.

“Earlier this year, after a similar request for another street in Barnsley, the police reaffirmed they will formally object to any new weight or width restrictions.”

Following a recent site inspection by highways officers, it was noted the patrol warning signs do not currently include flashing amber warning lights (FAWLs) a measure that is set to be introduced in the coming months.

“We actively promote safe, active and sustainable travel for children as part of the healthy schools agenda,” Coun Miller said.

“Following the investigation and discussions, the school has accepted our invitation to meet with our road safety, active travel and sustainable travel officers in order to engage with our available programmes.

“We have therefore proposed to add FAWLs on both approaches to the school crossing patrol which will highlight the presence as well as providing a visible reminder to drivers of all vehicle types that children will be present in the area. Designs for this have already commenced.

“These have proven benefits and can reduce numbers of children using cars to travel to and from school, reducing traffic.

“Only recently, Tankersley Primary School, supported by the active travel officer, won a national award for the innovative work they have carried out in safe and active travel and it would be fantastic to see Barugh Green take inspiration from this.”