Around 40 flashing speed warning signs outside schools are now operational across Bolton.
Installation of the illuminated advisory 20mph signs outside 56 schools in the borough started in January and 18 schools now have working signs in place.
They are being introduced by Bolton Council to reduce vehicle speeds and to make the borough’s roads safer.
The signs’ flashing amber hazard warning lights and a ‘children crossing’ warning sign urge motorists to be aware of their speed, and slow down to 20mph when the lights are flashing.
In a fortnight’s time 13 more schools should have signs that are working. The remaining 25 schools should have signs operational by the end of June.
The flashing lights are controlled by a centrally managed system and switched on at school drop-off and pick-up times: 8.15am to 9.15am, and 3pm to 4pm. They will not be in operation outside of these times or outside of school term time.
One of the schools to benefit from the new signs is Bolton Parish Church C of E School, in Kestor Street, Tonge. Two signs are now in place on Bury New Road and another two on approaches from Bradford Street.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Cllr Nick Peel, said: “I’m really pleased that Bolton Parish and so many other schools across the borough are benefitting from these new signs.
“All the evidence shows that if motorists slow down to 20mph, or under that, injuries sustained in an accident are less severe. It is common sense to slow down where there are schools and many young children about.
"We hope that these signs will get the crucial message across to drivers that it is absolutely vital to slow down near schools. Watching your speed makes a huge difference and if it means lives are saved it is money well spent by a council that is committed to keeping the borough as safe as possible for all who live here.
He added: “We are introducing these signs outside schools alongside the introduction of 20mph speed limit areas on residential roads across Bolton.”
Headteacher Debra Meekings said: "Road safety is an essential part of our school curriculum and I am really pleased that children at Bolton Parish Church C of E School will benefit from this."
Bolton Parish Church C of E school pupils Mason Ainley, Lexie Chrimes and Gemma Steven all agreed that the signs helped to encourage drivers to slow down. Gemma, aged 10, added: “It’s a big improvement - if drivers look at the signs and slow down it helps children and their parents who are walking with them.”
The programme is being funded by a one-off £1 million capital investment agreed by councillors last February. Other projects, such as driver feedback signs which indicate to a motorist how fast they are driving, are also being funded through the £1 million pot.