Schoolchildren urge drivers to stick to 20mph in Brighton and Hove

Children highlighting the 20mph area to drivers (Photograph: Stephen Lawrence)

The children have designed a series of road signs, which will be placed in Surrenden Road where the children cross regularly to visit a swimming pool. The speed limit along the road is 20mph but this is often exceeded by drivers according to the council.

The initiative marked Road Safety Week (May 8-15), a worldwide initiative, supported by the UN and WHO which recognises speeding as a threat to health.

To highlight the reason for 20mph speed limits, the Year 3 children illustrated the stopping distance needed for a car at 20mph, 30mph and 40mph alongside Surrenden Road, as well as designing 20mph temporary awareness signs.

Abigail and Billy with a speed gun used as a reminder for drivers to slow down (Photograph: Stephen Lawrence)

Jan Carballo, class teacher, said: “Our students are learning to use the roads – we need drivers to be aware of them and be able to stop in time. 20mph limits in the city are there for a reason.”

Acting Sergeant Philip Badman said: “Speed is a significant contributor to collisions – even in our city with its relatively low speeds.

“As well as the severity of collision, speed can determine if a collision will happen at all. The braking system has to be activated by the driver – this takes thinking time.”

20mph limits were introduced to make the city’s roads safer and Surrenden Road was part of the second phase rolled out in the city.

Cllr Gill Mitchell, chair of Brighton and Hove City Council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “I’d like to congratulate the children from St Bernadette’s who are not just encouraging drivers to slow down, but also raising awareness of the reasons behind 20mph limits - to enable drivers to react and brake in a significantly shorter space.”