Welcome to Road Safety Wales
18/12/08
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Coed Hirwaun Primary School |
Neath Port Talbot Schools at the top of the Walk to School league for 2008 have received their awards.
The drive to encourage more pupils to walk to school to boost their health and the environment is bearing fruit.This year Coed Hirwaun Primary School at Margam achieved a remarkable 98 per cent of pupils walking to their daily lessons with Pontrhydyfen and Tonmawr Primary School sharing second spot with 94 per cent.
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| Pontrhydyfen Primary School |
As an incentive to encourage as many pupils as possible to walk to school during International Walk to School Month, the Road Safety Team ran a competition to find the largest percentage of pupils walking to school, to win a trophy for their school.
Every day the numbers walking were recorded and converted to a percentage of the numbers on roll, with the winning school receiving a trophy for their school.
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| Tonmawr Primary School |
Cabinet member for Streetcare and Highway Services Councillor Arwyn Woolcock said: "I am delighted with the support shown by schools across the borough. Over 2000 pupils walked to school with the Road Safety Unit this October, which is an immense amount of pupils to be involved in such a worthwhile event.
"I would like to congratulate the pupils, parents and staff of the three winning schools who have all made such a fantastic effort and have deservedly taken the winning and runner up positions for this year."
16/12/08
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| Malpas Court Primary School |
Kerbcraft, the pedestrian training scheme aimed at Key Stage 1 pupils, is progressing extremely well in Newport.
Currently eight schools are involved in the scheme, however, this number will soon increase as a new Assistant, Tracey Bushell, joins the team to support Cath Levy, the scheme's co-ordinator in Newport.
At a recent training session at Malpas Court Primary School the children were joined by Pudsey Bear, who was very impressed with the road safety knowledge of the children who have been involved in the Kerbcraft Scheme.
5/12/08
Primary school pupils from Bridgend County Borough will be brightening up this winter for a major child road safety campaign. More than 2,400 high-visibility vests have been donated to schools across the county borough by diversified technology company 3M, which has a manufacturing site at Bridgend.
The company is working in partnership with Bridgend County Borough Council’s road safety team to distribute the vests around schools.
Simon Ladbrooke, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Road Safety Officer, said: “We are delighted to be working with 3M on this initiative. The vests are just one way for children to stay bright and be seen. Parents need to make sure their children wear light coloured coats and clothing in order to be clearly visible.”
Lynda Owen, site manager at the company’s Science Park facility, said: “Road accidents are the single biggest cause of accidental death among five to 14-year-olds in the UK and everyone is concerned about that.
”We hope the combination of providing the vests and encouraging the children to learn more about road safety will be a real help in reducing the number of casualties this winter.”
The vests will be used as part of council road safety projects such as Kerbcraft, which teaches pupils how to cross roads safely.
Barbara Owens, acting head of Pil Primary School, said: “The vests will be invaluable to us. At this time of year it’s always more difficult for motorists to see young pedestrians, so it is vital that children can be clearly seen when they are out on the roads.”
3M has provided more than 100,000 vests to schools close to its UK sites since it began its child road safety campaign in 2005.
18/11/2008
More than 2000 Neath Port Talbot pupils joined Henson the Hedgehog and walked to school during October in support of International Walk to School month.
Neath Port Talbot's Road Safety Team organised a walk for a different school every day during the month. As an incentive, the Road Safety Team ran a competition to find the largest percentage of pupils walking to school. Each day the numbers walking were recorded and converted to a percentage of the number on the school roll with the winning school receiving a special trophy.
Last year the trophy was awarded to Pontrhydyfen Primary School when 87% of pupils walked. This year, the figure was exceeded by three schools including Pontrhydyfen who beat their own record, in what became a very close competition.
In the end, the school that had the highest percentage of pupils walking in comparison to their numbers on roll was Coed Hirwaun Primary School, Margam with a whopping 98%. They were closely followed however by Pontrhydyfen Primary School and Tonmawr Primary School who encouraged a massive 94% of their pupils to walk.
Neath Port Talbot's Road Safety Team are continuously striving to encourage pupils and parents to consider how they travel to school.
The Walk to School Campaign for October 2008 has been encouraging pupils to Power Up and to think about health and fitness. A brisk walk to school is an easy way to boost energy levels for the day ahead and improve overall health.
It is also important to remember that the morning school run is one of the most polluting journeys you can make. Cars produce more pollution on short journeys, when the engine is cold and the car keeps stopping and starting in traffic jams.More worryingly, research has shown that the levels of pollutants inside a car are at least 3 times worse than on the pavement at the side of the street - so driving to school isn't just bad for the environment, it is bad for your health!
Speaking today on behalf of the Environment Directorate, Councillor Woolcock the Cabinet Board Spokesperson for Street Care and Highway Services said: "I am delighted with the support shown by schools across the borough. Over 2000 pupils is an immense number to be involved in such a worthwhile event.
"In particular, I would like to congratulate the pupils, parents and staff of Coed Hirwaun Primary School as well as Pontrhydyfen and Tonmawr primary schools who have made such a fantastic effort and have deservedly taken their lead positions for this year."
5/11/08
Kerbcraft is a road safety education programme, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, designed to teach children (aged 5-7) by means of practical roadside training.
Kerbcraft teaches three core skills to children over a 12-18 month period, with between four and six training sessions being given in each skill. Training is progressive, with each skill building on the foundations laid by earlier skills. The three core skills taught are:
- recognising safe versus dangerous roadside locations
- crossing safely at parked cars
- crossing safely near junctions
In line with the UK-wide target, the Welsh Assembly Government is committed to reducing child Killed and Seriously Injured (KSI) accident rates in Wales by 50% by 2010 (against the average of 1994 to 1998 rates). This represents a drop in child KSI numbers from 289 to 145.
By 2006, the child pedestrian fatalities had reduced to 0.6 child pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 for 0-14 year olds for Great Britain, and to 0.4 for Wales, lower than any other country in the UK, which is a reduction of 68%.
Almost 10,000 children were trained in the last school year and this magnificent achievement is thanks to the scheme co-ordinators, their assistants and the many dedicated Kerbcraft volunteers.
Visit the Kerbcraft section of this website here
Download the latest Kerbcraft In Wales Progress Report
30/10/08
Carmarthenshire’s Road Safety Unit are circulating newly designed posters to try and raise awareness of the need to Be Safe and Seen during Halloween.
The trick to a safe Halloween is to see and be seen," said Keith Griffiths, road safety manager." With the clocks having just gone back, there will be less daylight hours available to trick or treat and everyone needs to ensure that they can be seen whilst out in the darkness."
Dark costumes - like those favoured by witches make it hard for drivers to see trick-or-treaters, masks which obstruct vision are also a safety hazard. Make-up, preferably glow-in-the-dark compounds, should be used instead of masks so children and adults have the benefit of full vision.
To have a safe and fun Halloween, follow these tips:
- Wear a fluorescent or light-coloured costume
- Avoid wearing a wig which can block vision
- Pin up long costumes to prevent tripping
- Stay on the pavement. If there are no pavements, walk facing the traffic
- Carry a torch
- Trick-or-treat in a group
- Plan your route and pick well-lit areas
- Cross roads at safe places
- Young trick-or-treaters should be accompanied by a parent or guardian
22/10/08
‘Stay safe in the dark’ is the clear message from the Welsh Assembly Government as the winter nights draw in.
With the clocks going back this weekend, parents are reminded that both darker nights and darker mornings mean children are more vulnerable on our roads as they are less visible to motorists. The Assembly Government urges parents to ensure that their children wear something bright and take extra care when out and about.
Cyclists should also be aware that riding bicycles without the correct lighting is an offence and they should ensure their bike has the correct lights - and that they can be clearly seen by other road users.
Bright fluorescent clothing shows up best during the day, especially in dull or misty weather but doesn’t show up after dark. By night reflective material is best as it shows up in car headlights, reflective tape can be applied to clothing, school bags and equipment.
Drivers are urged to plan their journeys carefully to factor in the time difference as the mornings and evenings get darker earlier and later and to be aware that travel times may take that bit longer.
13/10/08
The 2,000th child is about to learn the importance of road safety through a scheme run by Torfaen County Borough Council. This term will see the landmark total in the Kerbcraft scheme. And thanks to extra funding and an additional officer dedicated to the cause, the initiative is set to rollout to more primary schools in the County Borough.
Road safety mascot, Iolo the Zebra, helped pupils from Penygarn Primary School celebrate the success of the scheme.
Lesley Rosser, the Council's Pedestrian Training Co-ordinator, said: "We are delighted with the success of the scheme and that it is continuing to grow. Since 2002, 1,741 children have passed through the scheme and this term the 2,000th child is due to learn about road safety. We are also hoping to increase the number of primary schools involved from 15 to 20.
"It is clear that the roads are becoming busier so it is especially important to teach our young children good road sense."
Kerbcraft is a national training project funded by the Welsh Assembly Government. Money funds the employment of a co-ordinator who finds and trains volunteers who, the Council says, are crucial to the success of the initiative.
They then teach five to seven year olds at the roadside.
Key skills taught include recognising safe versus dangerous roadside locations, crossing safely at parked cars and crossing safely near junctions.
Bags, colourful literature and stickers are given to children to reward them for their efforts.
Martin Jones, deputy headteacher at Penygarn, said: "It's an excellent scheme because learning about road safety helps save lives. We notice a marked improvement in the children's knowledge and understanding when they come back into class after finishing a Kerbcraft session."
Councillor John Cunningham, Executive Member for Operational Services, said: "We are fully committed to this scheme as it is a fun way of getting a serious message across."
According to figures released by the Welsh Assembly earlier this year, Torfaen recorded the second highest drop in Wales in the number of road casualties since 1994-98.
If you have a morning a week to spare during term time, and are interested in becoming a volunteer for Kerbcraft phone 01633 648435.
14/7/08
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| Dysynni area pupils learn about the rules of the road with Meinir Gwilym |
Gwynedd Council has staged a roadshow around Meirionnydd schools where primary pupils in Key Stage 1 learnt more about road safety.
As part of the roadshow, pupils had the opportunity to sing along with the popular singer Meinir Gwilym, whilst also learning about the rules of the road. The children also had the chance to meet Carys Ofalus (Careful Carys), Gwynedd Council's road safety character, and Carys the cat taught the children about safely crossing the road.
Claire Evans, Gwynedd Council Road Safety Officer said:
"Ensuring that Gwynedd's youngest pupils learn about road safety is vitally important, and we hope that by learning in a fun and different way as part of these roadshows mean that the children will remember the important lessons.
"We are delighted that Meinir Gwilym joined the roadshow and that the children had the chance to sing songs which remind them to wear a seatbelt in the car, and to take care when they're out cycling on the road. Learning simple rules like these can make a huge difference to the safety of children on the roads."
2/7/08
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Actress Manon Ellis with the pupils of
Ysgol Glan Cegin, Bangor as they learn
about road safety |
Keeping to simple but important rules - that was the message recently shared with the pupils of Ysgol Glan Cegin, Bangor as they received road safety certificates as part of the Kerbcraft scheme.
As they completed part of the Kerbcraft road safety course with the support of Gwynedd Council's Road Safety Unit, Ysgol Glan Cegin pupils were paid a visit by actress Manon Ellis who plays Michelle in the popular Welsh TV show, "Rownd a Rownd".
After going out and about with the pupils, Manon Ellis presented the children with their well deserved certificates. As part of the Kerbcraft scheme, the children have gained understanding and knowledge by going out in the local area to learn how to stay safe on the side of the road, and the certificates acknowledge their hard work.
The Kerbcraft Scheme teaches children between 5 - 7 to walk along the road safely by taking them out to the side of the road and show them that making the right decisions and acting appropriately can help them keep safe. The children are taken out of the schools in groups of no more than three by specially trained volunteers.
As part of the lessons, children:
Identify safe crossing points and routes to cross the road
The children are helped to identify dangers and find safer places to cross.
Learn how to cross safely in areas where cars are parked
The children are taught to use a safe strategy to cross near parked cars - if the situations are unavoidable.
Learn how to cross safely near junctions
Children are introduced to the problems near simple and more complicated junctions, and they are taught a strategy to look systematically to all directions.
Find out more...
12/6/08
Around 60 pupils from Tavernspite CP School have taken part in a Walk to School event during National Walk to School Week. The Walk was organised by the school’s Junior Road Safety Officers supported by officers from Pembrokeshire County Council’s Road Safety Unit.
The annual event was held by the school to encourage the children to be less dependent on the car and reduce the traffic congestion outside the school gates.
The Walk to School is just one of the many actions pupils from Tavernspite are undertaking as part of their school travel plan, to help promote the use of more sustainable transport and improve the road safety environment surrounding the school.
Tavernspite Garden Centre kindly allowed the children to meet in their car park before walking to school together.
County Councillor Jamie Adams, Cabinet Member for Highways and Planning, who was unable to attend, said afterwards: "I am encouraged by the effort of the whole school community, especially their enthusiasm in tackling the growing problem of congestion that is faced by many of the schools in Pembrokeshire today.”
4/6/08
The number of child pedestrians in Swansea involved in road accidents when walking to or from school has dropped by more than half since 1998. Swansea Council has released new accident statistics highlighting the reduction in accidents and say it is down to traffic calming initiatives and better education for children under 15.
The average number of school hildren involved in accidents between 1994 and 1998 was 53. The latest figures show this figure has dropped to 22.
Further improvements show there has been a reduction in the number of children under 15 involved in accidents including those traveling in a vehicle. The average number between 1994 and 1998 was 165. That figure has now dropped to 109.
Money received by the Council as part of the annual Road Safety Grant and Safe Routes in Communities initiatives is ploughed into traffic calming schemes throughout Swansea. Twenty mile-an-hour zones and pedestrian crossings have been implemented at many schools in recent years. The Council has also highlighted its intention to create safe 20mph zones near every school if funding is available.
Jeff Green, Casualty Reduction Officer in Swansea Council, said. "The efforts to introduce traffic calming measures and spread the message of road safety in schools is clearly having a positive impact.
"Creating safe walking routes to and from local schools is essential in helping to encourage more children and parents to walk to school. We think that the reduction in accidents involving schoolchildren proves we are providing safer environments.
It's vital that we continue this work for the benefit of everyone in the community."
Oystermouth Primary School is one of the latest schools to benefit from the work to create better walking routes. New pedestrian crossings at a busy junction near the school, along with the introduction of a 20mph speed limit, have helped encourage children to walk to school. To celebrate the completion of the scheme, the school organised a walking bus involving dozens of pupils walking together to school.
Allison Gough, the Council's Safe Routes in Communities Officer, said, "The school has been very proactive in its approach to road safety."
A record nine schools were successful in obtaining Safe Routes in Communities funding this year as part of the annual Transport Grant settlement. The schools included are Pentrepoeth, Crwys, Hafod, Knelston, Mayals, Plasmarl, Bishopston, Manselton and Penyrheol Primary Schools.
3/6/08
Henson the Hedgehog has been leading the way in the fight against school run pollution. As part of National Walk to School week, the Neath Port Talbot Council County Borough Council's Road Safety Team mascot has been joining the pupils from five primary schools on their walking buses.
Blaengwrach school pupils taking part in Walk to School Week 2008
Cabinet member for streetcare and highway services councillor Arwyn Woolcock said the morning run is one of the most polluting journeys made by motorists.
He said: "Many of the environmental problems we are faced with are caused by people taking short car journeys.
"The National Walk to School campaign helps focus attention on the importance of using alternative methods of transport to school to make our county borough a safer, healthier place to live."
Cars produce more pollution on short journeys due to the engine being cold and the need to stop and start because of traffic congestion.
Research suggests that worryingly, the levels of pollution in a car are at least three times higher than on the pavement at the side of the street.
"Traffic congestion and parking problems at schools have become a major issue in recent years and it was great to see so much support for the campaign," added councillor Woolcock.
"In total Neath Port Talbot ten schools regularly run walking buses to encourage more of parents to ditch their cars.
"Walking is better for everyone and I am looking forward to seeing more schools adopting the practice of walking buses and alternative transport schemes in the future."
23/5/08
On Wednesday 21st May 2008, a Kerbcraft event took place in the Lord Mayors Reception Room, the Guildhall Swansea.
The presentation was arranged in recognition of the childrens’ efforts in a colouring competition and also an opportunity to share the good news of Kerbcraft in Swansea. An array of people attended, including Councillors, Head Teachers, Teachers, Mums, Dads and Volunteer Trainers.
The Child Pedestrian Co-ordinator, Anna Matthews welcomed everyone to the presentation.
Anna spoke about the success of Kerbcraft in Swansea. The scheme is currently taking place in 9 schools, with a total of 347 children receiving training.
Anna talked about the 3 main reasons, why she thinks Kerbcraft is such a success.
Firstly, due to the fact that each of the nine schools have embraced the scheme,
by welcoming Anna and the Volunteers into the school each week. Kerbcraft has become embedded in the ethos and fabric of the school.
Secondly, the children are so enthusiastic and eager about going out on their Kerbcraft session each week.
Thirdly, The Volunteers, Anna gave recognition to the dedication and commitment of all the volunteers, explaining that Kerbcraft would not succeed without their support.
A brief video was shown which mirrored a day in the life of Kerbcraft in Swansea.
The 33 children who were invited along to the event as finalists, waited in anticipation to see who would scope the 1st Prize. Laura Hughes-Dowdle a pupil from Crwys Primary School had plenty to smile about when she was called up to receive a prize as the overall winner of all 9 schools.
The event was a great success; the children were delighted with their prizes and thoroughly enjoyed the magic show at the end of the morning.
22/5/08
On Wednesday 21st May over 50 children from St. Helen’s Junior School, Barry participated in their first ever walking bus. This event was organised to coincide with National Walk to School Week.
The children met up at St. Helen’s Infant School which is located in the centre of town and set off up Ty-Newydd hill to the Junior School. Despite the walk up the hill all of the children thoroughly enjoyed their early morning stroll and are keen to repeat the experience.
Headteacher Mr. Gavin Russ was pleased with the turn out. “It was a great success and we hope to make this a regular monthly event. Thank you very much to all staff and parents who participated in the walk today.”
9/5/08
Pedestrians will have an easier time crossing a busy city centre road thanks to improvement works by Swansea Council. Seven modern pedestrian crossing points have been installed as part of the major improvement works along West Way and Oystermouth Road.
The new crossings will give pedestrians better access to the Quadrant Bus Station and the newly constructed Metro stops on West Way as well as improved access between the Kingsway and St Helen's Road.
The Council has invested millions in transport grant funding in a bid to improve public transport and beat congestion problems in the city centre.
The works include the construction of a dedicated bus lane along the Kingsway and out along Oystermouth Road. Further works now include the closing of the underpass on West Way.
Geoff Sheel, Interim Head of Transportation in Swansea Council, said, "The focus of the works has been to improve public transport in the city centre and provide better access for pedestrians.
"The newly installed crossing points provide safe access along the entire length of West Way for all pedestrians."
Transport operators in Swansea have already sung the praises of the Council for the work which they say has enabled them to run faster and more efficient services.
22/4/08
Pupils walking to and from three schools in Bonymaen will be safer following the completion of a traffic calming scheme nearby.
Swansea Council has confirmed the completion of the scheme which includes a new 20mph zone along Jersey Road. The schools benefiting from the safety measures include, Pentrechwyth Primary, Cwm Primary and St Illtyds RC Primary School.
Amanda Taylor, Head teacher of Cwm Primary School, said, "We've already identified an issue with motorists speeding along this route.
"The traffic calming scheme devised by the Council has been a great benefit in terms of the safety of of children in the community. I'm delighted the scheme has succeeded in slowing down motorists."
Geoff Sheel, Interim Head of Transportation in Swansea Council, said, "We have previously introduced some 20mph speed limits along some roads in the area. The completion of these latest works along Jersey Road will significantly enhance the safety for pupils choosing to walk to and from school along this route."
Streets in the nearby area already benefiting from the lower speed limits include Bonymaen Road, Cwm Chapel Road, Mansel Road, Carreg Cennen Gardens and Pentrechwyth Road
Mr Sheel added, "Our ongoing work to create 20mph zones and speed limits around schools is an important part of our efforts to create safe environments for children who may be walking to school.
"These measures along with good road safety education in our schools have helped reduce child casualties in Swansea by 30 percent in the last 10 years."
Previous schools and communities to benefit from these works include Dunvant Primary, Manselton Primary and the newly built St Thomas Community School.
17/3/08
A original new drama promoting a strong road safety message is currently touring Anglesey's primary schools.
Aimed at children aged 7-9, "Cofia" (Remember) will be seen by hundreds of pupils as the production visits more than 20 schools. The interactive drama focuses children's minds on the importance of road safety, and the various steps to "remember" when crossing the road.
The County Council's Road Safety Team has used drama as a means of getting its message across to youngsters in the past, and found it to be very successful. Cofia is written and directed by Siwan Llynor, and the cast comprises of Manon Dewi, Mared Huws and Gwion Williams.
It tells the story of Beca and Rhys who make their own way home from school after their mum fails to turn up on time. On the journey they get lost, but meet a strange young girl who guides them across the road and home safely. They later learn that it was the spirit of Ema, a young girl hit by a car years earlier.
The Road Safety Team's Bethan Parry said that the pupils' response to the drama had been excellent. She explained, "Cofia is bringing our road safety message home to the pupils in a new and exciting way. The performance is interactive with pupils encouraged to ask questions and join in the performance as the story progresses. Pupils from every primary school on the Island will have an opportunity to see the show which comes to the end of its two week run on Thursday."
Bethan added, "The message is particulary important at this time of year, with the Easter holidays fast approaching, and the long summer nights also meaning that children will be able to stay out playing until later in the evenings. They must always remain vigilant whilst around roads and remember these simple words which are highlighted in the drama - Stop. Look. Listen. Walk."
10/3/08
Keeping to some simple but important rules - that's the message that the Kerbcraft road safety scheme is trying to share with primary school pupils across Gwynedd.
And that was the key message in a specially arranged seminar held recently in Porthmadog to celebrate the joint working between Gwynedd Council and North Wales Police as they work to extend the Kerbcraft road safety scheme to more of the county's primary schools.
Councillor R H Wyn Williams, Gwynedd Council's Senior Environment Portfolio Leader said:
"The children of today are the drivers of tomorrow, and it is essential that we give our young people the best possible advice about the dangers that exist on the roads. I am delighted that Gwynedd Council's Road Safety team is working with the North Wales Police to spread this important message to children throughout the county.
"This seminar has been an opportunity for us to come together to celebrate what has already been achieved as part of the scheme, and to reaffirm our commitment to work with our partners to teach Gwynedd's children about the rules of the road."
As part of the Kerbcraft scheme, children learn about the rules of the road, such as choosing a safe place to cross the road and learning how to cross the road at a junction. At the Porthmadog seminar, pupils from Ysgol y Gorlan, Tremadog, had a chance to show off the skills that they have already learnt as part of their practical lessons.
25/1/08
A woman, who uses two working roles with the Vale of Glamorgan Council to promote the road safety message to youngsters, has won the authority's School Crossing Patrol of the Year Award.
In her quiet and unassuming way, Alex Daw has helped children cross the busy Ham Lane East outside Llantwit Major Comprehensive School and Llanilltud Fawr Primary School for nearly five years. And she also works as a dinner lady.
"A deserved winner," said Cllr Chris Williams, Vale cabinet member for planning and transportation, who hosted the annual awards ceremony that recognises the continuing high standards achieved by "lollipop ladies and gentlemen." Thanking the "dedicated members of the service" for their work, Cllr Williams said: "I'm sure we are all aware of the importance and, indeed, the difficulties of their daily duties in ensuring the safety of the thousands of pedestrians crossing roads across the Vale.
"Despite enduring the worst of weather at times, and the unpredictable behaviour of motorists, they carry out this role with an enviable professionalism and always a smile."
4/1/08
New high visibility road crossings in Penarth show the way forward for road safety in the Vale of Glamorgan. Featuring a new style of illuminated Belisha Beacon poles, the zebra crossing installed by the Vale of Glamorgan Council on Redlands Road near the junction with Cornerswell Road replaces the old crossing and improves safety for local schoolchildren and residents.
Pupils from St Cyres Comprehensive School played a key role in the new crossing's installation after they highlighted the dangers they faced when walking to school. They identified measures in their school travel plan to address some of their concerns, one of which was an upgraded crossing.
Cllr Chris Williams, Vale Council cabinet member for planning and transportation, said: “As a council we are always interested in residents' concerns and it is particularly satisfying to be able to show that we can and do listen to the views of young people in the Vale as well.”
Cllr Williams, who officially opened the crossing (pictured), added: “I am sure that everyone who has seen this crossing, with the new illuminated Belisha Beacon poles, will agree that it is much more visible than the old style posts. The new beacons are particularly effective at this time of year when there is poor daylight during the school start and finish times. This is the first time that they have been used in the Vale and hopefully we will use them on all new crossings in the future."
Elaine Storey, the school crossing patrol officer who has worked at the site for a number of years, has also welcomed the new safer crossing. Elaine said: “I feel so much safer now. The zebra crossing is far less confusing for motorists than the traffic island it has replaced”. The work has been fully funded by the Welsh Assembly Government's Safe Routes to School initiative. The grant of £147,000 has also funded a similar crossing further along Redlands Road near the entrance to the Cowslip estate while a new crossing is also planned for Windsor Road near the Dingle footbridge.
