COVENTRY schoolchildren are backing a campaign encouraging motorist to stick to new 20mph speed limits when driving past schools.
Youngsters from Christ the King, Ernesford Grange, Moat House and Potters Green primary schools took part in an art competition ? organised by West Midlands Fire Service ? to design on-street artwork to catch the eyes of drivers, reminding them to watch their speed.
Around 250 entries were submitted by five- to nine-year-olds with a shortlist of three from each school put to public vote on Coventry Police’s Facebook page.
Winners Ciara Nurse, Ellie Curtis, Nayrat Saeed and Molly Ryan ? from the four schools respectively ? received the most votes and were presented with certificates and a miniature version of their own metal street sign at a special presentation event at Coventry council last week.
Coventry Police Inspector Steve Malone, said the scheme followed studies by the Department for Transport and World Health Organisation which showed vehicles travelling more than 20mph were more likely to kill a child if they hit them.
Insp Malone added: “Just a small reduction in average speed has a dramatic impact on the number and severity of collisions.
“These new lower speed limits will be introduced on roads surrounding these schools ? I’m sure all drivers will agree that if lowering the speed limit near schools helps to save a child’s life then it has to be a positive step.”
The 20mph limits in Scots Lane, Ringwood Highway, Quorn Way and Deedmore Road are expected to be introduced before the end of the year.
Neighbourhood police officers and community members will work together conduct road safety operations in the lower speed zones to educate drivers and to prosecute the most serious or repeat offenders.
Councillor Jayne Innes, Coventry City Council’s cabinet member for city services, said: “These winning designs help to re-enforce the message around schools that speeding is unacceptable and the lower the speed, the more the chance of avoiding an accident or at least minimising the risk of serious injury.
“We are pleased to be a partner in this initiative and all our congratulations go to the winners and all who took part in the art competition.”
Anyone interested in joining an established Community Speed Watch group ? or set up their own scheme ? can email Coventry Police at [email protected] for more information and advice.
