THE speed limit along George Lane could be reduced to 20mph during the start and end of the school day in an attempt to improve road safety for schoolchildren.

Since the new primary school, Marlborough St Mary’s, opened in Ducks Meadow in September, fears have grown about the lack of clear signs warning drivers the school is there, and parents have said the area is dangerous for children.

The school is now campaigning to lower the speed limit from 30mph to 20mph during the beginning and end of the school day, when

children are dropped off near Van Dieman’s Close and Ducks Meadow.

Headteacher Anne Schwodler said: “We hope to get a 20mph speed limit enforced at the beginning and end of the school day.

“This will be for when the children are coming in and leaving the school.

“My only worry is that these things take time. We now will work on what can we do in the short term.

“People don’t realise there’s a school here because there are no signs and it’s not only us but St John’s too.”

Pupils at the school have created posters and taken photos of the area as part of their eco warriors club to learn and raise awareness about the safety issues in the area surrounding the school, in Ducks Meadow.

Earlier in the year the Community Area Transport Group fitted 20 metro count systems throughout the town to measure how fast vehicles travel through Marlborough, including George Lane.

Coun Nick Fogg believes that reducing the George Lane speed limit should be a priority.

He said: “We carried out the watch in September and we still haven’t had the results back.

“However, it is self-evident that George Lane has to be a top priority, it is essential we get this installed.

“At the moment George Lane is just an accident waiting to happen.

“Wiltshire Council have known all about this new school for years and nothing has happened, which is a disgrace.”

Following a transport meeting between members of Marlborough Town Council, including Mayor Mervyn Hall, and Mrs Schwodler, plans have also been submitted to request extra signs for the school, which has 380 pupils.

Information gathered by school governors who have monitored traffic will be used to apply for a Taking Action On School Journeys grant.

This could be used to paint yellow zig zag lines on the road and put up extra signs in a bid to warn approaching drivers about the school.