New kid-friendly 20mph signs put up near school slammed as ‘dangerous’ by furious parents
A SET of new kid-friendly 20mph signs put up near a school have been slammed as “dangerous” by furious parents.
Concerned residents argue that drivers cannot read the unusual designs, putting children at greater risk.
For most of the UK the speed limit in all built-up areas is 30mph by default.
Many local authorities implement 20mph limits on residential roads and, especially, on streets around high-risk sites like care homes or schools.
However, last year the Welsh Government went one step further by lowering the default limit to 20mph across the country.
To coincide with this, new dragon-themed signage, designed by schoolboy Noa Williams, has been erected around schools to enforce the new restrictions.
But parents at Cadoxton Primary School in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, claim that the signs are less safe for children.
The new design incorporates the figure 20 into the shape of a red dragon (Wales’ national symbol), with a tightly curled tail.
Critics argue that it could easily be mistaken for a patriotic gesture rather than an indication of a change in speed limit.
This, they claim, could leave drivers uncertain as to how fast to go and risk some hurtling through the school zone at 30.
Commenting on social media, Maria Pitten said: “I think it’s dangerous as it isn’t immediately obvious what it is saying so you need to really look at it.”
Fellow Welsh resident Paul Evans asked: “Could you contest that the 20 is not easy to understand as it’s not clear?”
And Peter Campbell Davies slammed the new design as “ridiculous”.
In response, the Welsh Government said that whether or not the new signs were used was a matter for councils, despite the design coming from a Transport for Wales-led competition.
A spokesperson said: “The Cabinet Secretary recognises the need to listen and learn from citizens.
“The use of this particular image to promote safer speeds is part of the listening exercise being undertaken by the Welsh Government.
“In the meantime, it is for local highway authorities to determine whether the use of this particular sign is appropriate.
“It is not designed as an alternative to formal speed limit signs and the use is a matter for councils.”