Date: 10 August 2006 20:12

BUS STOP SAFETY

CAMBRIDGESHIRE LEADING THE WAY IN SCHOOL BUS STOP SAFETY

Cambridgeshire transport chiefs are leading the way in holding talks with 
Government over the introduction of new signs warning drivers of school bus 
stops.

The Department for Transport currently only permits the use of sub-plates to 
warn of schools, school crossing patrols and playgrounds below the 
traditional red triangle with the two children on.

Now Cambridgeshire County Council is discussing whether a fourth warning 
plate 'School Bus Stop' could be used under the sign.

Road safety experts are concerned that there is nothing to warn drivers, 
especially on rural roads or where traffic travels at speed, that children 
regularly cross for a school bus.

Currently the Council are in talks with the Department for Transport over 
the criteria that could be applied for the siting of such signs.

If given the go-ahead it is hoped that trials could be carried out in 
Huntingdonshire before being rolled out across the rest of the County and 
maybe even the UK.

 Karen Lunn, Divisional Traffic Engineer for Cambridgeshire County Council, 
came up with the idea and said: "Many children, especially in rural areas, 
have to cross or stand by roads where there is traffic travelling at speed, 
waiting for their school bus. We think drivers need to be warned to watch 
out for children and to drive carefully, especially in areas where 
traditional traffic calming is not
appropriate. We hope our talks with the Department for Transport will be 
positive and result in further improvements for safety in Cambridgeshire and 
maybe the UK."

Cambridgeshire County Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for 
Environment and Community Services, said: "Last year Cambridgeshire saw a 
record low in the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads. 
We would like to do more to improve safety but  unfortunately this is 
sometimes hampered by the limited funding we receive from Government. This 
new initiative is a good and simple way that we can warn motorists to be 
aware there are children and to drive accordingly."

John Reynolds