NEW part-time 20mph speed limits will be rolled out around 33 of a county’s schools from next week (Monday, October 5), much to the joy of road safety campaigners.

Pressure has been growing for some years for lowered limits to be imposed outside all County Durham schools, in an effort to protect children, parents and staff.

Durham County Council has not gone as far as some wanted, or moved as quickly, but 20mph limits will be introduced around 13 schools this year, with a further 20 following in 2016.

The limits will apply at peak times from Monday to Friday only and drivers will be alerted by flashing warning signs.

There will also be road safety training, leafleting and sustainable travel initiatives.

Councillor Brian Stephens, the council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “The Slow to 20 for Safer Streets initiative will be rolled out across a number of communities throughout the county over the next two years and will help ensure our children are happier and safer as well as better (creating) better environments for walking, cycling, improvements to health and calmer and quieter streets.”

Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg, who has campaigned for 20mph limits, said: “By slowing to 20, drivers can help to make our roads safer. I have long been a supporter of this scheme and am sure it will have a positive impact on the nearby community, children and their families.”

The schools chosen have accident rates at least double the average.

They are: King James I Academy, Etherley Lane Nursery, Etherley Lane Primary, Evergreen, Bishop Barrington, St Anne’s CE Primary and Woodhouse Community Primary, all in Bishop Auckland; Newker Primary, Bullion Lane Primary, Cestria Primary, Park View Community School, The Hermitage and St Cuthbert’s RC VA Primary, all in the Chester-le-Street area; Shotley Bridge Infants, Shotley Bridge Junior, Consett Infants School and Nursery and St Patrick’s RC VA Primary, all around Consett; St Joseph’s RC VA Primary in Durham City; Cotsford Juniors in Horden; St Mary’s RC VA Primary and Sugar Hill Primary in Newton Aycliffe; Dene House Primary, Dene Community School of Technology and Acre Rigg Infants in Peterlee; Seaview Primary, Westlea Primary, Seaham Trinity Primary, New Seaham Primary and Seaham School of Technology, all in Seaham; Rosa Street Primary and King Street Primary in Spennymoor; and North Durham Academy and Greenland Community Primary, in Stanley.