A £100,000 safety scheme around the two schools and along Main Street in the village was approved by the council's south area planning committee today (Thursday, March 14).

The works will involve constructing a series of traffic calming measures - including speed tables, raised junctions, speed cushions and road humps- and 'gateway' features including signs, coloured surfacing and road markings. A 20mph speed limit will also be introduced and the council is also taking the opportunity to resurface Main Street

The works will start when the schools break up for their Easter holiday on Friday, March 22, and will last for approximately five weeks. For most of the time it will be possible to keep the road open but there will be occasions when controlled single lane working will be unavoidable.

However, to enable some of the new measures to be constructed safely temporary road closures will be required and whilst these are in operation signed diversion routes will be put in place.

The scheme is part of the council's rolling programme of traffic safety schemes in villages and follows consultation with residents and local councillors.

Ray Chaplin, head of the council's engineering consultancy, said "This scheme should make a big contribution to road safety in Bishopthorpe, especially for pedestrians.

"The measures around the schools are part of a national strategy to improve safety for children and to encourage more walking and cycling. The speed tables and build-outs along Main Street should make it easier and safer for people to cross the road to get to the shops, library and other local amenities."

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