A SIX month trial of a new average speed enforcement system was launched in Broadstone this week. The trial is intended to reduce vehicle speeds and improve road safety for children, staff and teachers at Springdale First School and residents of Springdale Road. The new SafeZone road safety camera system, developed by local company Siemens, calculates the average speed of vehicles against posted speed limits and has been designed to be installed in urban environments with the minimum impact to the local environment. The trial also includes the installation of new eye-catching road signs that incorporate a 'slow down' message designed by Springdale pupil Eryn Young, seven. The children at the school will also receive a new high-visibility duffle bag from Siemens with the SafeZone symbol.

Springdale head Ruth Leach said: "Some parents and children have raised concerns over the speed of vehicles on Springdale Road. We are keen to support any initiative which may enhance safety and will be interested to learn of the outcome of the trial."

Siemens is testing the viability of this solution to reduce vehicle speeds near a school and hence the likelihood of a casualty. Springdale Road is an ideal location for the trial as recent surveys have identified up to 98 vehicles travelling past the school gates at speeds above 40mph in each hour before and after school.

Data collected by the cameras during the trial will not be used for enforcement purposes and nobody will be prosecuted as a result.