Two road improvement schemes that aim to make it safer for children to walk, scoot or cycle to school will be carried out this summer.
The school safety schemes, on Whitby Way, outside the rear entrance to Mount Pleasant Primary School, in Branksome, and Roundhill Road, close to Hurworth Primary School, will install safe crossing points for pedestrians and introduce traffic calming measures.
In both areas the speed limit will be reduced to 20mph.
The two areas were identified as part of the Safe Route to School Programme, which aims to create a safer and more convenient highway network around Darlington schools.
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Work to carry out the improvements is already underway in Whitby Way, with changes and improvements to the footpaths.
Three speed tables, which are raised areas in the carriageway that will also act as the pedestrian crossing points, will be installed during the school summer holidays. A road closure will be required to carry out these works, local residents will be informed of the arrangements ahead of the work starting.
The improvements in Whitby Way will also see a proper footpath installed to replace a dirt track ‘desire line’ shortcut across a verge to the convenience store.
In Hurworth, a speed table crossing point will be installed during the summer holidays. This will require a road closure, which will be signed before the work is due to begin.
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Councillor Andy Keir, cabinet member for local services, said: “The safety of children on the walk to and from school is, of course, a priority. We want to make it easier for families to choose the greener route to school and leave the car at home where possible.
“The Safe Route to School Programme is part of our Local Transport Plan and will be supported by a programme of education, information and publicity to inform residents of the travel choices available to them and their impact on the environment.
“By slowing down traffic and creating clear pedestrian crossing points we can make children more visible to drivers and create a safer and calmer atmosphere outside these schools.”
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