A programme to introduce 20mph speed limits outside a number of local schools is nearing completion.

Following a borough-wide road safety review of routes around school entrances, reduced speed limits were recommended at 16 schools. The measures are intended to improve safety for children, parents and carers travelling to and from school.

Whitegate Church of England Primary School and Abbey Gate College in Saighton are among the first to benefit from the new limits.

Craig Jenkinson, headteacher at Abbey Gate College, said reducing speed limits and prioritising children's safety "must be a top priority".

He added: "Slowing down for a short distance may cost a driver only a few seconds; not slowing down could cost a child their life.

"The 20mph extension beyond Saighton Primary – now including our Senior School – is intended to promote considerate, patient and cautious driving from us all. We ask for every driver's understanding and support.

"Our entire Abbey Gate College community is sincerely grateful to the Council for their support in reducing drivers' speeds to 20mph past our school."

Following the review, deputy council leader Cllr Karen Shore said areas for reduced limits and additional safety measures had been identified, and that these improvements were now being introduced to help ensure children can travel safely to and from school.

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"Creating safe, welcoming streets around our schools is one of the most important things we can do for our children," she added. "We're now putting these improvements in place, because every child deserves to travel to and from school feeling safe and protected.

"Slower speeds don't just reduce the risk and severity of collisions - they help create the kind of environment where children can move with confidence, free from unnecessary danger. Their safety must always come first."

Cllr Shore added that the council's Safe Routes to School Officer continues to work with schools and families to support safer journeys, and urged everyone to play their part in keeping children safe around school areas.