I visited Solihull street where 20mph limit will be introduced and can see why it's needed

Parents at a school where new 20mph speed limits are being brought in have given it unflinching support. The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported recently that roads around St Marys and St Margaret's Primary School in Castle Bromwich are to switch to 20mph as Solihull Council continues its four-year road safety push.

One grandparent picking a child up from the school said: “I agree with 20mph, especially by a school.” A parent said: “You do see cars flying around sometimes. I fully agree with 20mph outside schools.”

Another said: “I agree with 20mph; it is much safer for the children.” Residents living near the school, too, were in agreement.

READ MORE : Every new road that is set to drop to 20mph in West Midlands area

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“We weren't aware of it (the changes)," one said. “It needs to be 20. It’s a really narrow road, especially with the school.

“It makes sense - by Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens (nearby), that is all 20mph.” Another Southfield Avenue resident said they were also not aware of the changes: “I’ve only been here since May.

"I’ve never noticed any speeding, if I’m being honest. I don’t think it is a big issue. But with the bend, you should only be going around 20mph anyway.”

Upon visiting, it quickly became apparent why the change was needed. I visited at 3pm on a Friday afternoon and witnessed more and more parents arriving to pick up their children at the school which sits in Southfield Avenue.

Then, eight children on bikes in the middle of the road then turn up, some doing tricks. A driver takes the bend blind to the group and is forced to slam on the brakes after seeing them. The car was being driven well under the current speed limit of 30mph, but it was easy to see how accidents can happen and why the authority is keen to introduce 20mph limits.

The four-year programme began in 2022 and already roads around 41 schools across the borough have switched to the limit. Proposals for the next stage were advertised in May and in a consultation some did raise objections to the change.

Conservative councillor Ken Hawkins, the cabinet holder for environment and infrastructure, said at a recent meeting: “We are not doing this for the sake of it. We are doing this because we want to make our children and younger people, and vulnerable people safer around schools.

"That’s why I’ve always supported it and always will.” The third year - covering the period of 2024 to 25 - is proposed to include changes to roads around St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School/ Merstone School/ Forest Oak School/ Smith’s Wood Sports College, Smith’s Wood; Bishop Wilson Primary School in Chelmsley Wood and Monkspath Junior and Infant School in Blythe.