IN A bid to reduce the number of child road casualties in the area, new advisory 20mph speed limit signs are being displayed outside 17 primary and high schools in Poulton, Carleton, Thornton and Cleveleys.

Working in partnership, Lancashire Constabulary and Wyre Borough Council came up with the idea and, for maximum impact, a child's handwriting has been reproduced on the signs.

PC Nigel Banks said: "We have looked at a number of sites where we believe the reduction in the speed limit to 20mph could have a significant impact on road safety.

"Our aim is to reduce the number of child road casualties across the division, particularly near schools. "

Schools involved are giving the new venture their full approval. Tony Ford, head teacher at Stanah County Primary School, Thornton, said: "We think the signs are a good idea, particularly as traffic tends to race down the nearby hill towards our school. Perhaps they'll act as a timely reminder to drivers to take a bit more care."

Ian Wood, head of Poulton C of E, located in busy Hardhorn Road, says that road safety is a big issue for all schools. "Poulton C of E is one of the chosen schools because of our location. There is not much room for manoevring on Hardhorn Road and traffic is very heavy at the start and end of the school day," says Mr Wood.

"It will be a good thing if the new signs help to make the school crossing patrol officer's job a little easier."

Daniel Herbert, traffic and transportation officer for Wyre Borough Council, said: "We welcome the opportunity to work with the police in promoting road safety on the streets of the borough.

"We hope this initiative will remind drivers to take care outside schools where there can be large concentrations of children who are vulnerable.

"Reducing the number of injuries on the roads is a central policy of the council's road safety plan," he added.