'It is vital road users stay alert' as new school term starts

Date: 13/9/2010

Drivers and pedestrians need to be particularly careful on the roads at the start and end of the school day as the new term begins, according to one councillor.

Lesley Rennie, Wirral's Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Transport Services, said there are particular road safety issues around schools that require added vigilance.

Motorists should make sure they drive at an appropriate speed and look out for potential hazards caused by parked cars, such as children trying to cross the road between them, she continued.

Meanwhile, pedestrians need to take extra care because they could be distracted by mobile phones, iPods and friends, Ms Rennie remarked.

She added "it is vital that everyone stays patient, aware and takes care", because of the inevitable large numbers of people on the roads at certain times of day.

A recent study by Road Safety Analysis found children who live in deprived areas are more likely to be injured in a car accident than those from more affluent locations.

Posted by Mary Treen