Newport Parish Council are spearheading a campaign to bring 20mph to the streets of Newport, particularly in Carisbrooke High Street where the problem is said to be accentuated by the narrow pavements.
The Parish Council has been working in partnership with the local primary schools at their school fairs to raise awareness of the issue.
Carisbrooke-based St Thomas of Canterbury Primary School have taken the idea one step further and over the last few weeks have been running a poster competition. Cllr Julie Jones-Evans and Cllr John Hobart were recently asked to judge the competition.
Cllr Jones-Evans said:
“Slowing traffic down to 20 mph where people live, work and play is a proven way to lift the wellbeing of communities with thousands of students going to school each day in Newport, so raising awareness of this campaign in our schools is a great place to start.
“As former pupils, Cllr Hobart and I were overwhelmed by the response from St Thomas of Canterbury Primary, Carisbrooke. The creativity and clever word play was impressive – Don’t Hurtle, Be a Turtle! – and trying to pick a winner was a big ask.
“We chose 3 eventually (out of over 50) which we think will make eye catching posters and make people think twice about their speed around our parish”.
Mrs Maggie Sanderson, Federation Deputy Headteacher added:
“The children wanted to share their concern about the speed of the traffic through the High Street. We are very proud of their efforts and look forward to the campaign having the desired effect of making the High Street a safer place for all who use it”.
