Road safety measures set for nursery

The council hopes the road safety measures will encourage more families to walk or cycle to Bilston Nursery School

Road safety measures are to be implemented around a nursery in Wolverhampton following a council consultation.

City of Wolverhampton Council says the measures will make it safer for families outside Bilston Nursery School on Wolverhampton Street.

The Safer Routes to School project will include a safe school zone on Wolverhampton Street along with improved signs, pedestrian refuges on the High Street in Bilston and 20mph limits on surrounding roads.

The council said it hoped the measures would enable families to leave the car behind and walk or cycle to the nursery, easing congestion and parking issues at the gates, improving air quality, and encouraging active lifestyles.

Works will begin on Monday and are expected to finish on 26 September, weather permitting.

The majority of work will take place at night, between 19:00 and 05:00 BST and some temporary traffic signals and lane closures will be required.

A consultation was held and executive headteacher at Bilston Nursery School, Emma Smith, is among those who have welcomed the plans.

She said: "I am so pleased to know that these measures are going to be in place helping to keep my pupils safe."

The council's cabinet member for city transport, Councillor Qaiser Azeem said: "Road safety is of the utmost importance to the council, particularly where children are walking to schools and nurseries in large numbers.

"This area connects to a busy high street with shops on both sides and lots of pedestrians crossing all the time.

"Reducing speeds on approach ensures drivers are travelling at a safer speed as they reach this point.

"This will help protect children and others on their daily journey prioritising safer, healthier, and more sustainable neighbourhoods."