A Portadown schoolgirl has highlighted safety concerns outside her school – bringing to light a much wider issue across the borough.
Sophie Evans, from Bocombra Primary’s School Council, raised raised concerns about the school’s crossing patrol not being replaced with local MLA, Doug Beattie.
As a result, the Ulster Unionist representative, has called on the Education Minister to increase safety measures around schools.
Mr Beattie said: “Sophie’s thoughtful message brings to light a broader concern about the safety of children in our Borough as they travel to and from school each day.
“It is worth noting that not all schools in the Borough are fortunate enough to have dedicated crossing patrols, nor do all benefit from the implementation of 20mph speed limits in school zones.
“As we approach the darker mornings of winter, when many of us will be leaving and returning home in low-light conditions, I urge all road users to be extra vigilant. Reduce your speed and stay alert to ensure the safety of our children as they navigate their daily journeys.
“Calls for drivers to be vigilante is only one element in keeping our children safe, the other is enforcement and traffic-calming. School crossing patrols play an important part in traffic-calming and I would therefore call on the Education Minister and the Education Authority to make school crossing patrols, particularly in busy built-up areas, a priority and a necessity.”
