Safe and sound (From Penarth Times)

Safe and sound

A PENARTH school is spearheading a campaign aimed at reducing child road deaths.

Albert Road Primary was selected to launch the National Assembly backed scheme because of it is impressive record - it already has a 20 mph speed limit and road humps at the site.

Pupils gathered yesterday morning for publicity shots aimed at hitting home the importance of reducing the road casualties - both in Penarth and wider Wales.

Speaking at the launch Minister for Environment for the Welsh Assembly Sue Essex stressed the Welsh government's commitment to making our streets safer.

She told the Times: "The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to reducing road casualties throughout the country - we need to make streets safer for the vulnerable members of the community."

Ms Essex also announced £1.5 million additional funding which will be added to the £5 million already earmarked for reducing speeds around the country.

She said: "The additional money is a boost to local authorities to help them make a start on implementing slower speed initiatives in areas around schools, libraries, leisure centres, hospitals as well as residential neighbourhoods."

Senior Road Safety Officer for the Vale of Glamorgan, Mike Dacey said he was delighted the school had been chosen and praised the school for their safety initiatives.

He told the Times: "The school has had the traffic calming measures in place for two years now. It has been a very successful project.

"The road was a rat run for many vehicles before the measures. But now it has made a difference to the school because speeds are great deal slower."

He added that the road width has been reduced so cars can not park at the side of the school.

That the 20mph zone around the school was done because the Vale of Glamorgan Council used a grant from the Welsh Assembly.

In January Minister Essex will announce a Road Safety Strategy for Wales which will mean more grant support for local authorities.

Funds will be backed by innovative schemes masterminded by local councils.