WORK is on target to introduce 25mph limits around all island schools by September. Consultations have taken place with them, parish officials, the Education Department and road safety group Stop Traffic Endangering Pedestrian Safety and it has been agreed which roads will be included.

New signs have been ordered and are due to be put in place next month to give people time to adapt to the new limits before children go back to school.

And in the run-up to next term, Environment will run an awareness campaign in conjunction with the police.

Deputy minister Ivan Rihoy said the department had had to put the initiative together quickly, but he was very pleased with the success of the consultation.

He was confident that the new speed limits would be well accepted and would make a big difference in making the roads around schools safer for pedestrian parents and children.

‘Children’s safety is a very emotive subject and close to everyone’s hearts,’ he said.

Deputy Rihoy said work was continuing on producing terms of reference for a review of speed limits throughout the island.

But the States had prioritised those in the vicinity of schools.

Deputy Tom Le Pelley, who introduced the amendment to the Road Traffic Strategy debate in April that sought approval for the measure, has been kept informed of proposals for implementation.

He was delighted with the progress.

‘It will need the back-up of the police to make motorists aware that they will have to be more cautious around approaches,’ he said.

‘It is a step in the right direction.’

Steps chairman Pat Wisher was fully consulted, having previously carried out walking audits around several island schools as a member of the former Traffic Committee.

She said the consultation had been very thorough.

‘In the timescale they have done a very good job.’

She was particularly pleased that Environment had taken her advice to extend the speed limit areas around La Houguette and Vale schools.

The former will see a long stretch of Route des Paysans and Route des Adams included, as well as adjoining lanes Rue du Lorier, Rue de L’Arquet and Route des Clos Landais.

She said the main road in front of the school was very fast and busy and that the back lanes were heavily used by pedestrians going to and from the school.

She had also asked for the area around Vale School to be extended to include La Croix du Bois.

‘A lot of people raised their concerns with me about this school,’ she said.

‘It is a major route for traffic and is pretty dangerous as there is only a short stretch of pavement.’