20mph zones will be introduced at Powys schools

The Welsh Assembly said it will bring in the part-time zones as part of a £4.5 million three-year programme to improve safety outside schools in the country.

The zones will be in place around school drop-off and pick-up times, with the roads reverting to their regular speed limit at other times of the day.

Schools selected in Mid Wales include Ysgol Dyffryn Banw, Llangadfan, near Welshpool; Ysgol Bro Ddyfi, Machynlleth; Ysgol Gynradd, Carno; Llanfair Caereinion CP School; Ysgol Glantwymyn, Machynlleth; Buttington/Trewern CP School, near Welshpool; Machynlleth CP School; Gungrog School, Welshpool; and Caereinion High School, Llanfair Caereinion.

Edwina Hart, Welsh Assembly transport minister, said the zones will be installed at some point over the next three years.

Mrs Hart said electronic signs will be put up near the schools and will be activated during the temporary speed limit times.

She said: "Evidence shows that 20mph speed limits can improve driver behaviour and reduce speeds around schools. However due to the nature of the trunk road network and some of the long distance journeys undertaken we need to balance the need of the drivers and that is where part-time 20mph speed limits can play a part.

"As well as improving safety and saving lives I hope this will enable more children and young people to walk or cycle to school. Where appropriate we have also identified engineering works to encourage active travel to schools.

"I am committed to improving safety on our trunk road network and for the communities that live nearby."

A 20mph speed limit will be introduced outside 15 Powys schools in a bid to improve road safety.The Welsh Assembly said it will bring in the part-time zones as part of a £4.5 million three-year programme to improve safety outside schools in the country.The zones will be in place around school drop-off and pick-up times, with the roads reverting to their regular speed limit at other times of the day.Schools selected in Mid Wales include Ysgol Dyffryn Banw, Llangadfan, near Welshpool; Ysgol Bro Ddyfi, Machynlleth; Ysgol Gynradd, Carno; Llanfair Caereinion CP School; Ysgol Glantwymyn, Machynlleth; Buttington/Trewern CP School, near Welshpool; Machynlleth CP School; Gungrog School, Welshpool; and Caereinion High School, Llanfair Caereinion.Edwina Hart, Welsh Assembly transport minister, said the zones will be installed at some point over the next three years.Mrs Hart said electronic signs will be put up near the schools and will be activated during the temporary speed limit times.She said: "Evidence shows that 20mph speed limits can improve driver behaviour and reduce speeds around schools. However due to the nature of the trunk road network and some of the long distance journeys undertaken we need to balance the need of the drivers and that is where part-time 20mph speed limits can play a part."As well as improving safety and saving lives I hope this will enable more children and young people to walk or cycle to school. Where appropriate we have also identified engineering works to encourage active travel to schools. "I am committed to improving safety on our trunk road network and for the communities that live nearby."