New 20mph limit to keep pupils safe after road fears

A 20mph zone has been introduced in Whitburn to cover the school routes to Whitburn Academy.

It covers a number of streets including Rackly Way, Ash Grove, Oak Crescent, Elm Drive, Larch Avenue, Myrtle Avenue and Marina Terrace.

The new limit has been introduced following requests from residents concerned at the speed of some cars, particularly when young people were travelling to and from school.

Coun Tracey Dixon, ward member for the area, consulted officers who agreed that an area-wide zone would be a better approach as many elderly residents also live in the area.

Coun Moira Smith, lead nember for area management and community safety, said: “As a council, we are committed to improving road safety and this is particularly true around schools.

“The safety of road users – and in particular pedestrians and cyclists – is of paramount importance and we are determined to make the areas around schools as safe as they possibly can be. In this case we saw an opportunity to make the whole area a 20mph zone.”

The introduction of the 20mph zone follows the installation last year of improved waiting restrictions on Rackly Way to better control indiscriminate parking beside the school.

Coun Dixon said: “As ward councillors we shared the concerns of residents who felt the 30mph limit simply did not go far enough to protect residents.

“I am delighted we have been able to respond positively and am confident this new zone will provide a much-needed road safety boost.”