Alexander Stafford (Rother Valley) (Con)

-

Residents, teachers, parents and governors of Aston Fence Junior and Infant School in Rother Valley are concerned about road safety outside the school on a busy road that has a speed limit of 40 mph during the day. They and I have written to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council to call on it to take adequate steps to improve road safety. As yet, however, no action has been taken, and signs and patrols clearly do not work. What is needed, according to the school, is a permanent 20 mph speed limit with appropriate traffic calming measures installed to enforce it.

The petition, which was started by the pupils of Aston Fence School, has been signed by more than 325 people—almost double the number of students. The petition states:

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons call on the Government to urge Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council to extend the existing 20mph speeding restrictions around the school so that they are in force at all times, rather than just during peak school hours.

And the petitioners remain, etc.

Following is the full text of the petition:

[The petition of residents of the constituency of Rother Valley,

Declares that road safety measures must be strengthened and improved around Aston Fence School; and further that the existing 20mph speed limit, which is currently applicable during peak drop-off and pick-up hours in morning and afternoon, be in force at all times to protect pedestrians and drivers alike.

The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons call on the Government to urge Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council to extend the existing 20mph speeding restrictions around the school so that they are in force at all times, rather than just during peak school hours.

And the petitioners remain, etc.]

[P002704]