BARNSLEY’S transport chief has pledged to review road safety on Doncaster Road after a campaign by school pupils and their MP.
Dearne MP John Healey arranged for Paul Castle to visit Goldthorpe Primary with him to talk about children’s concerns.
John visited the school in May and backed their road safety campaign after children told him they were worried about the speed of drivers and didn’t feel safe getting to and from school.
The MP said: “I want to thank the Barnsley Council officers for being ready to come to the school to meet me and hear straight from pupils why they’re so worried about crossing Doncaster Road.
“They were able to see all the work the school have done and listen to what children had to say.
“They make a very powerful case. They got me on board and I’m pleased that now the council have said they will go away and look at what more could be done.”
Goldthorpe teacher Chris Wharton-Lovett said: “We would like to thank John for supporting our campaign as it’s something our children have grown really passionate about.
“It was great to meet with BMBC and we look forward to working with them on different projects to improve the road safety on Doncaster Road for all the children in our community.”
Paul Castle, Service Director for Environment and Transport at Barnsley Council said: “As part of our commitment to Goldthorpe Primary School our Highways team plan to measure the flow of traffic at peak times and review signage and road markings outside the school.
“Our Road Safety team will also work together with the school to help improve the pupil’s road safety skills and design additional road safety signs. Several local authorities across the country have already trialled signage designed by children and seen positive changes in behaviour and a reduction in drivers speed.”
The MP and the school want the council to consider a number of measures including a zebra or pelican crossing, reduction in the speed limit, replacing the school crossing patrol, warning signs, speed bumps and speed cameras.