Chepstow pupils step up speed limit campaign (From South Wales Argus)

Chepstow pupils step up speed limit campaign

3:50pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News

CHEPSTOW pupils calling for a cut to a road’s speed limit on their route to school upped their campaign with a roadside protest and the completion of a 1,000-name petition.

Twelve students from Wyedean School were out in force on Saturday morning, waving placards and chanting fromtheir meeting point at The Gatehouse to the A48.

Two of their peers have previously been hit by cars on route to and from lessons on the busy road.

Standing by St Mary’s Church, the group were in full voice as they told passing drivers of their aim - for the speed limit to be cut from 50mph to 30mph.

After the 15-minute protest, observed by head of year 12 John Lane, the students headed back to the town centre and collected 480 signatures for their petition.

This means the total stands at 1,080 and in partnership with Chepstow Town Council, the group is about to take the next step.

Anna Dewar, who heads the school’s student campaigns group, said: “We are currently arranging to try to meet the Welsh Government and present our petition with town councillors.

“We are really pleased with howSaturday went. I think a few people felt a bit guilty when they saw us and slowed down.”

Sixth form mentor Isla Arendell said: “People have told me the campaign is making them think about how they cross the bridge. They have been very supportive.”

The student campaign was highlighted by the Free Press in December, when the students handed in the then 400 signature petition to the town council.

Their plea for action is not the first time concerns have been raised, as the road’s safety has been a talking point in town council meetings.

It has proved difficult to tackle because it crosses the English border, so a multi-agency approach has been mentioned as the best way to take it forward.