CHILDREN are hoping motorists take note of their latest road safety message by using flashing road signs.

The 20mph zone, at Highcliffe Primary School, in Hutton Lane, Guisborough, has been introduced as part of a pilot project. The school travel plan has been co-ordinated by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

Headteacher Jackie Woodhead said: "When the children carried out a speed survey outside the school, they found motorists were travelling up to 36mph along Hutton Lane.

"So one of the key recommendations from the children was the introduction of a 20mph zone, particularly at the beginning and end of the school day, and we are delighted that the introduction of flashing signs may bring this towards fruition."

The council's senior sustainable transport officer, Janet Easley, said: "Many schoolchildren and their parents cite speeding traffic near schools as one of their reasons for not walking or cycling, preferring to take their children in the car.

"We hope these warning signs, in conjunction with active promotion by the schools, will help to break this cycle, by creating a safer environment."

There are six sets of variable message signs - called electronically-reacting road signs - including two at Birk Brow and Yearby, which flash when drivers are approaching too quickly.

There are four sites outside schools with signs that say 20mph when lights flash. They are programmed to come on when pupils are entering or leaving the schools and also at nursery start and finish times.

The locations are Mersey Road, Redcar, for St Benedict's RC Primary and Sacred Heart RC Secondary; Hutton Lane, Guisborough, for Highcliffe Primary; The Avenue, Guisborough, for St Paulinus RC Primary and Galley Hill Primary; and Margrove Road, Boosbeck, for Lockwood Primary.