East Preston schools’ plea to speeding drivers

After years of campaigning, East Preston Parish Council has succeeding in persuading West Sussex County Council (WSCC) to introduce a school safety zone outside the village’s infant and junior schools, in Lashmar Road, to deter speeding drivers passing by the entrance.

Claire New, head teacher at the infant school, has praised the scheme. She said: “We can’t thank the parish council enough. It has fought tirelessly to help bring this about.

“The safety of all our pupils, at both the infant and junior school, is a top priority for us.

“We have had problems with speeding motorists in the village and there have been some near-misses in the past that have left us very worried.

“But with the new lights in place we’re already beginning to notice a difference and we’re very pleased with the results.”

The scheme was implemented over the summer holiday as part of WSCC’s safer routes to school initiative, and the new signs are already proving a hit in the community.

Simon Cross, clerk to the parish council, hopes motorists will pay attention to the 20 miles per hour speed limit near the schools when the lights are flashing.

He said: “The safety of all children within the village has long been of great importance to the council, and the school safety zone will supplement the good work done by our crossing patroller, Tracy Kigano.

“We ask that all drivers respect the zone so East Preston and Kingston children can walk to school safely.”