A Principal has issued a plea for motorists to slow down when passing schools as he revealed all of his staff, as well as parents, are having to supervise pick-up times due to the threat of speeding motorists.

“It is very frustrating that we still do not have the 20mph speed limit outside our school,” said John Cunningham, principal of St. Mary’s Primary School, Killesher.

“As a result, we require all of our staff and some PTA members to be on the road at collection time. The safety of our pupils is paramount and we urge all drivers to be mindful of their speed while driving past our school.”

One local Police Service of Northern Ireland officer have said that they have had to stop speeding motorists near rural schools on “more occasions than we care for”.

PSNI Constable Andrew Hueston made this comment as part of an appeal launched to coincide with Road Safety Week with a theme of “let’s talk about speed”.

Erne West Neighbourhood Policing Team spent time with local schoolchildren from St. Mary’s Primary School, Killesher; Florencecourt Primary School and St. Mary’s Primary School, Mullymesker.

Speaking about the problem of speeding near schools, Constable Hueston said: “Unfortunately, even in the areas with a speed reduction in place, some motorists continue to drive with no regard for their surroundings and in excess of the speed limit.”

“As a Policing team we were well aware of this issue and would carry out speed detection patrols around schools, where possible. On more occasions than we care for, we have had to stop and deal with motorists regarding their speed.”

Referencing the programme carried out with the three local schools, Constable Hueston said: “The aim of this programme is to raise motorists’ awareness of the risks and potential hazards when driving in the vicinity of rural schools.

“It also aims to educate the pupils of these schools as to how they can keep safe on the roads and how to be more visible to motorists when walking or cycling to and from school.

High visibility clothing as part of the programme was also donated from local business, Encirc, after they were approached by the Erne West Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Speaking about the initiative, Fiacre O’Donnell, Sustainability Director at Encirc said: “This is an important initiative for our local community.

“The safety of our schoolchildren throughout these dark winter months is paramount and we hope that these high visibility vests and hats will make a difference, ensuring our schoolchildren are more visible to drivers.”

“We would ask all road users to be aware of the dangers. Equally, it is important for the pupils to listen to their schools and the PSNI’s road safety tips.

“If we can all work together on road safety, I have no doubt we can create a safer environment for everyone.”