Mandatory 20mph speed limits outside schools

Mandatory 20mph speed limits have been introduced outside Wardle, Elmwood, Holy Trinity and Bowlee Park schools.

Responding to a question from Conservative leader Councillor Ashley Dearnley at last night's full council meeting about what progress had been made “towards implementation” since the last council meeting, Councillor Irene Davidson explained that 34 primary schools and 14 high schools now have the 20mph limit in place.

Councillor Davidson said feasibility studies were being carried, at a cost of £2,500 per school, out at the remaining schools in the borough. There are, she added, practical difficulties in implementation outside some schools.

The following motion, with an amendment, was carried at the Council meeting on 14 October 2009:

We call upon the Council to introduce as a priority, a mandatory and enforceable 20mph speed limit on roads outside all schools in the borough and that the funding for this be taken from the central pot rather than from Township Devolved budgets.

The motion, put forward by Labour Leader Councillor Colin Lambert and the amendment by Conservative Councillor Ann Metcalfe caused huge controversy when all bar three of the Lib Dem Councillors present abstained having been told by then Council Leader Councillor Alan Taylor to sit on their hands.

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/31160/shameful-lib-dems-abstain-on-child-safety

Earlier this week, Rochdale Online reported that the Greater Manchester Health Commission wants a ban on parents parking outside schools in a bid to curb child obesity.

It wants residents–only parking around school premises so youngsters can gain exercise by walking or cycling to school, and has sent the recommendations to the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities in the hope that local councils will take up the guidelines.