Information on Loughborough

Improvements to boost road safety at school

Posted on 21/07/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council Highways, Transportation & Waste Management

20 July 2009

Improvements to boost road safety at school

A £75,000 scheme to improve a road crossing in Braunstone Town aims to boost the number of children walking to school in the area.

The new facilities being constructed at the Ravenhurst Road/ Welcome Avenue junction - close to Ravenhurst Primary School - include a raised table in the road to slow traffic down, dropped kerbs and tactile paving.

In addition to this, an advisory 20mph zone will be introduced outside the school’s back entrance, similar to an existing 20mph limit outside the front of the building.

The new safety measures at Ravenhurst Primary are complemented by improvements to the area outside nearby shops which include new footpath surfacing and raised kerbs at the bus stops.

The school is keen to start a Walking Bus in the area following the improvements.

Lesley Pendleton, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: “We hope that more children will be encouraged to walk to school following the addition of new crossing facilities.

“The changes near to the shops and bus stops have improved pedestrian access and the general look of the area.”

The scheme is due to be completed by the end of August.

To keep up date with Leicestershire’s network of roads and paths, visit www.leics.gov.uk/roadsandtransport

Background information

Tactile paving has raised bumps that can be detected underfoot by blind or visually impaired people, so they are aware that they have reached a crossing point.

A walking bus is the newest form of school transport and consists of a group of children and volunteer supervisors such as parents or learning support assistants. One volunteer acts as the 'driver' who leads the way and the others act as 'conductors'.

The walking bus follows a set route, stopping at agreed pick-up points or 'bus stops' in the neighbourhood.