Schools put up safety banners

Apr 28 2009 by Jenny Wood, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

YOUNGSTERS are being given the opportunity to promote road safety around their own schools.

From this week, the junior road safety officers are being given the chance to display banners for a month at a time outside their school to remind all drivers why there are 20 mph speed limits in place nearby.

In Tayside 23 children were killed or seriously injured in 2007, a tragic reminder why drivers need to think of their speed.

Children’s awareness of traffic danger is much lower than that of adults. They cannot judge speed or distance in relation to vehicles and the fact that they are easily distracted means they are likely to dash out into the road.

The school banners’ campaign is being organised along with Tayside Safety Camera Partnership and Tayside Police.

David Farmer, of the Tayside Safety Camera Partnership, said: “We are delighted to be able to assist road safety officers by funding these banners that deliver such an important message for the safety of local children.

“When the amber lights are flashing outside schools the speed limit is 20mph, and this limit is enforceable,” he warned.

“Drivers should ensure their speed is low enough for them to stop should the need arise and this means pedestrians are less likely to be injured or killed.’’