Twenty’s plenty say parents

Mar 13 2008 by Claire Rees, Rhymney Valley Express

TERRIFIED parents have launched a national campaign to save lives after years of begging for reduced speed limits outside schools.

Residents have been campaigning for a 20mph speed limit to be introduced around Blackwood Comprehensive School since 2003 and now the fight is being taken to every primary and secondary in Wales.

The group, S20S (Schools 20mph Safety Campaign) will aim to persuade the Welsh Assembly to change the legislation and make the areas surrounding every school in Wales a compulsory 20mph zone.

Dad-of-two Andrew Farina-Childs said: “Research has shown where this speed limit has been introduced child casualties have been reduced by 70 per cent.

“At present, eight children are killed on our roads every month near schools, this is totally unacceptable.”

Last year the British Medical Association in Wales called for a 20mph speed limit to be imposed on designated walk to school routes in Wales.

Andrew added: “School children not just in Blackwood, but all over Wales are having to walk a dangerous tightrope to school – some schools have 20mph limits, others have to cope with 30, even 40 miles per hour speed limits.

“This patchwork quilt arrangement is not only senseless it's dangerously stupid.”

Jocelyn Davies AM has lent her support to the campaign and said: “It could potentially save children’s lives.”

The AM has asked for a meeting with the deputy first minster Ieuan Wyn Jones – he is also economy and transport minister – and representatives of the group.

You can pledge your support at www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/s20s---schools-20mph-safety-campaign.html