Shropshire Star comment: Joined-up thinking is necessary

The world indeed moves in mysterious ways.

It is not Shropshire Council’s fault that it cannot afford to implement 20mph zones outside all of the county’s schools.

The authority has insufficient funds to go round, does not have the political will to generate extra revenues through council tax and is having to make cutbacks during the ongoing age of austerity.

That means drivers travel at 30mph outside many schools where doing so clearly endangers youngsters.

In contrast, Highways England is investing considerable resources in a campaign to prevent tailgating.

It is to be congratulated for doing so and for drawing to the attention of drivers that they face punitive action should they fail to observe Rule 126 of the Highway Code, which stipulates a two-second gap from the vehicle in front.

The campaign is a good use of public money and yet many would argue that it is of no greater importance than safety outside schools. The question arises, therefore, why it should be funded while plans for 20mph limits outside schools are not.

The lack of joined-up thinking and joined-up finance highlights one of the difficulties inherent in local and central government. There is inflexibility between departments, where one has resources and another does not.

The need for vehicles to stay back on fast-moving roads is all too clear. Such regulations will be enforced as they should.

And yet road-calming measures, better signage, regular enforcement and similar measures would no doubt improve safety and prevent injuries and worse near our schools.

Shropshire Council bears no fault for being unable to afford such work: it simply doesn’t have any money to spend on it. But there will be campaigners, parents, teachers and others who will find it galling that money is available for some road safety campaigns – but only for other departments.

It is time for improved flexibility and joined-up government.