Speeds could be cut to 20mph outside schools

SPEED limits could be slashed outside all primary schools in the borough.

A quarter of Hounslow's 56 primary schools already lie within 20mph zones but council officers want them all at that level.

New signs and traffic calming measures would be introduced during the summer, subject to the results of public consultation.

Introducing 20mph zones outside all primary schools in the borough would cost between £285,000 and £350,000, council officers have estimated. They have already earmarked £250,000 for road safety schemes and plan to spend the money cutting the speed limit around as many primary schools as possible.

The move was widely welcomed by users of social networking site Twitter, with some people calling for a blanket 20mph limit on all residential roads. However, some people raised concerns about how the lower speed limit would be enforced.

A member of staff at Alexandra Junior School, where a 20mph zone is already in place, said it was largely left to teachers to enforce the restriction.

“In our opinion it does not make a noticeable difference,” she told the Chronicle. “The speed ramps slow drivers slightly but there are no large 20mph signs or road markings I am aware of as a driver, so I would question how other road users know.

“Every day before and after school we have a member of staff from both schools outside (one each by the gates in Denbigh Road and Tiverton Road) because of traffic, speed, parking and safety of our children.”

Hounslow Council hopes the new 20mph zones will reduce the number of accidents involving children on the borough’s roads each year.

The proposal is due to be discussed at Tuesday’s cabinet meeting. Should it be approved, public consultation is set to take place during May and June.

Islington has already introduced a 20mph scheme on all residential roads within the borough, but Hounslow Council estimates such a move would cost a restrictive £700,000.

However, deputy council leader Colin Ellar said in a report that other 20mph zones are likely to be introduced as funding becomes available.