Anger as schools are told to pay for road safety signs (From Daily Echo)

Anger as schools are told to pay for road safety signs

7:18am Wednesday 19th September 2007 in News By Clare Kennedy

EDUCATION bosses in Hampshire have come under fire for asking schools to cover the cost of new signs urging drivers not to exceed 20mph outside the school gates.

Letters have gone out to all of the county's 570 infant, junior, primary, secondary and special schools asking if they would like to participate in the 20 is Plenty campaign.

Two signs featuring a blue and brown snail with the slogan "20 is plenty, please slow down" would set a school back £200, although the cost could be higher if extra signs are ordered.

However, critics say the county council - which came up with the idea - should pay for the signs themselves and make the speed limit legally enforceable rather than voluntary.

Prospective Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Winchester Martin Tod said: "These signs should be properly funded from the roads budget."

A council spokesman said charging schools would allow more to take part in the scheme.

Across Southampton the city council has paid for 20mph signs to be installed outside schools and the speed limits are legally enforceable.