TWO Monmouthshire schools - including one near Abergavenny - are to benefit from part of a £4.5m three-year programme to improve safety at schools on trunk roads in Wales.

The announcement, which includes help for Llanvihangel Crucorney C.P. School, was made by Transport Minister Edwina Hart.

It follows a Welsh Government review of safety on walking and cycling routes to schools on Wales’ trunk road network.

Some 56 schools were identified as having potential for road safety improvements. Most of them will receive part-time 20mph limits while others will have infrastructure works.

Edwina Hart confirmed Llanvihangel Crucorney and Haberdashers in Monmouth would receive capital works with the schemes completed over the next three years.

Haberdashers will get an improved crossing point and enhanced verge while Llanvihangel Crucorney will receive a pedestrian refuge to be provided through a Community Safety programme.

Goytre Fawr Primary School and Monmouth School were also included in the survey, but no measures were identified for the schools.

The Welsh Government said further investigation would be needed with local authorities on the required safety improvements.

The part time speed limits work through the use of electronic signs which indicate the 20mph restriction during school pick-up and drop-off times. Outside these times the usual speed limits will apply.

Mrs Hart 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. That is where part-time 20mph speed limits can play a part.”

She added, “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.”

• Statistical evidence in the 2009 Welsh Government-commissioned report ‘Evaluation of 20mph Limits and Zones in Wales’ showed a reduction in personal injury collisions within 20mph schemes – an average of 312 per year before reduced to 193 per year after.