SPEED reduction measures outside a primary school to bolster existing plans aimed at “safeguarding children and adults” have received support from councillors and a bid for cash is now in progress.

Fresh attempts to tackle speeding along Mill End Road, in High Wycombe, include ambitions for a 20mph advisory zone directly outside Millbrook Combined School, regulated by electronic signage.

High Wycombe Community Board members agreed to support a bid for funding for the scheme, brought by Independent Cllr Darren Hayday.

READ MORE: Find out how many councillors have received official complaints and what for

Cllr Hayday said Mill End Road is “plagued” by through traffic, HGVs and “boy racers”, and two people suffered a ‘horrible hit-and-run a year ago’.  He added it is “carnage” at peak school hours.

CCTV caught the shocking moment a nine-year-old boy and his father were smashed into by a car that was driving on the wrong side of the road in a late-night hit-and-run on April 11, 2019.

And Millbrook head teacher Debra Mansfield spoke to the Bucks Free Press in July 2019 about her frustrations surrounding the lack of protection for families who walk to and from the school along the busy road every day.

The project will see 20mph advisory flashing lights in place of existing ‘School’ warning signs and ‘Patrol’ plates.

A puffin crossing is also proposed along Mill End Road following a prior consultation by the former county council. The advisory flashing lights will be some 150 metres away.

“Speeding has already been evidenced as an issue here and the council is working with local developers to install a crossing to improve safety for pedestrians,” according to a report.

The new advisory scheme is intended to improve road safety, protect walkers, and reduce “accidents, injuries and near misses”.

READ MORE: Calls for series of 20mph zones in ‘built-up areas’ across Bucks

Conservative Cllr Tony Green was told ‘no’ when he asked if the advisory zone would be enforceable in law.

“That’s a waste of money isn’t it?” he said. “People are going to know it’s advisory and not take any notice.”

Cllr Hayday argued: “It costs at least double to make it non-advisory, enforceable.

“Even if it were enforceable the police would have to get down there. This is the only option with the available budget.”

He added: “Mill End Road is at the top of my priority list for a 20mph zone in the ward I represent.”

Transport for Buckinghamshire (TfB) have also supported the recommendation.

The Community Board is awaiting a response from Buckinghamshire Council about its request for £7,927 in funding.

We’ve launched a new Facebook group for local news junkies, politics fans and everyone who wants to keep up to date with the latest issues affecting High Wycombe. Please join the conversation over at Buckinghamshire Politics