Local MP Rosie Cooper has slammed a decision by Lancashire County Council and Lancashire Constabulary not to support additional road safety measures on Glenburn Road in Skelmersdale outside Lathom High School.

Rosie, who has called for a lowering of the speed limit and the introduction of better pedestrian access to and from the school, held a summit with local police and district and county council bosses after a fatal accident on the road in October of last year. Yet, despite a number of meetings, the police and the county council, who are responsible for setting speed limits, have now decided that they will not support lowering the speed limit.

In a question in Parliament last week, Rosie informed Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick of the situation and asked if he could advise on traffic calming measures that could be put in place on the road. The Minister expressed concern for the ‘vulnerable situation of many pupils’ and will be issuing new, stronger guidance on the use of 20mph limits for local authorities.

Rosie said:

“I am baffled by the decision of the police and the county council on this issue. I know it is a main road but children dying on our roads is not acceptable and we should be taking all possible action to prevent it from happening again. I am pleased that the Government will be introducing stronger guidance on speed limits for local authorities and I will continue to fight for improved safety on the roads around the school.”