Carisbrooke children worried about fast cars outside school

Pupils of St Thomas of Canterbury Primary School in Carisbrooke have written to the County Press to express their worries about the busy road outside the school.

Carisbrooke High Street is used by dozens of families daily, who are increasingly worried about their walks to school — especially after hearing of people getting struck by wing mirrors of passing vehicles.

The children decided they wanted to raise this issue, so they wrote to headteacher Maggie Sanderson and the County Press to share their concerns.

They would also like the local community to support the decision to look at traffic calming measures along the High Street.

Mrs Sanderson said: "Our families are reporting near misses as they travel to school with their families.

"Having observed the pathways, it is not simply the school families that are at risk but also those who are accessing the doctor's surgery and the Co-operative shop.

"The school and I believe the whole village would welcome the opportunity to raise our concerns with County Hall and work together on a safer traffic management plan that will support all pedestrians within our lovely village community."

Mrs Sanderson said there was a 'real concern' a more significant injury or accident will happen.

Pupil Mariana Hare wrote: "I would like the speed limit to change to 20mph before someone gets hurt."

Archie Hartnell wrote: "I think the cars go too fast where we are crossing the road so I suggest a wider pavement and a slower speed limit."

The County Press asked Island Roads about the issue.

A spokesperson said: "Representatives from Island Roads and the IW Council have met local elected members and the school crossing patrol officer to discuss concerns over the traffic in Carisbrooke Road, particularly at its junction with Cedar Hill.

"As a result, proposals to restrict parking at the approach to the school crossing at this location will be included in the next review of traffic orders in this area.

"We are also happy to include Carisbrooke Road in the ongoing Islandwide speed limit review and will shortly began collecting data on the speed of traffic passing this location.

"Island Roads will also contact the school to arrange a further site meeting to discuss what else can be done to address any other traffic concerns the school has."

Anyone who wants to join the school in their campaign should email Mrs Sanderson on mrs.s@stthomaspri.co.uk