20mph zone outside school "is a start but not enough"

Rachel Harrison, head teacher of Thrybergh Primary School, marked the end of the summer term by calling for a pelican crossing or crossing patrol outside the school on Oldgate Lane.

“A 20mph zone is welcome - it’s a start - but it’s not enough,” she said.

“We have a zebra crossing outside school but people still race across with no regard for the children.

“We’ve had incidents of cars overtaking other cars that have stopped to let children cross. It really is an accident waiting to happen.”

Mrs Harrison said Rotherham Borough Council had told her the busy spot - near the junction with Hollings Lane - did not meet the criteria for a traffic-light-controlled crossing.

But she added: “I have children in Year 5 and 6 who want to walk to school but their parents won’t let them because they are worried about their safety and they don’t think it’s safe to cross.”

The Advertiser reported last month that Thrybergh - which submitted a petition to the council asking for a reduced speed limit - was one of nine schools set to be included in new 20mph zones.

The others are Anston Brook Primary, Aston Academy, Aston Fence Junior and Infant, Kiveton Park Infant and Laughton Junior and Infant, Maltby Crags, St Marys in Maltby, St Albans in Wickersley, Swallownest Primary and Wales Primary.

Mrs Harrison said she had been informed of the council’s approval of the new zones but had not been told when it would come into force.

Cllr Emma Hoddinott, the council’s cabinet member for roads, said: “Following the request from the school and parents for more measures we have agreed to put in 20mph zone in the area, with warning signs. 

“We are happy to discuss further with the school if they don’t feel this scheme would be beneficial. 

“National evidence shows they can help reduce accidents, and if they do occur, the seriousness of those accidents, so we are keen to put them in place across the borough. 

“In terms of a school crossing patrol, other schools have funded this and I hope Thrybergh will consider this option, too.”