The part-time speed limit outside the school will be the first of its kind in Warrington and is intended to draw the attention of passing motorists to the presence of the school, encouraging a reduction of speed at the start and end of the school day.

The project has been developed following other improvements to signs and road markings to provide a safer environment for parents and children as part of the Council’s Safer Routes To School and Active Travel programmes

Cllr Hans Mundry, cabinet member highways, transportation and public realm, said: “This is an important step towards making the roads outside of our local schools safer for children, their families and motorists. The part-time speed limit will also ensure minimal disruption to motorists and residents outside of the peak times.

“We’re excited to launch the scheme in time for the children returning to school following the half term holiday. I would also like to thank the residents and families of children attending Thelwall Community Junior School for their cooperation.”

The roads will be monitored throughout the scheme and will look at the speed of vehicles and the perception of how whether the environment around the school feels safer.

If the scheme is a success, similar initiatives could be considered for other schools in similar situations, as part of the Safer Routes to Schools project.