A HEAD teacher has welcomed the introduction of part-time 20mph limits outside her school.

Durham County Council is rolling out peak-time 20mph limits around 33 schools and today (Monday, October 5), the first came into force – at St Cuthbert’s Primary School, in Chester-le-Street.

Head teacher Clare Swales said: “Our school council has worked extremely hard over the last year to raise awareness among the community of the dangers of driving too fast on the roads around the school.

“We are delighted that, in partnership with the council, St Cuthbert’s has become the first location for the 20mph speed limit to come into force. Children and families are looking forward to the scheme greatly improving safety on the surrounding roads and benefitting everyone on the journey to and from school.”

Thirteen 20mph limits will be introduced this year, with a further 20 following in 2016 – all around schools with accident rates at least double the average.

Liberal Democrat councillor Mark Wilkes said the method of choosing schools was fundamentally flawed and it would take up to 20 years to implement 20mph limits at all schools unless extra funding was provided.