A call has been made to cut speed on a busy commuter route.
Hutton Parish Council has voiced concerns about the current 50mph speed limit on the Preston-bound side of the A59 from Hutton to Howick Cross, which it claims could put school children and other pedestrians at risk.
The Southport-bound side of the dual carriageway currently has a temporary limit of 40mph during school drop off and pick up times at Howick CE Primary School.
Lancashire County Council now have plans to bring in a part-time 20mph zone on the school side of the road.
Council chairman Bill Martin said: “Vehicles travel very, very fast on the road, and so the idea of speed restrictions was raised at our last council meeting.
“There are already lower speed limits on one side, and it was felt that consideration should be given to similar speed reductions on the other side, since Hutton Grammar School students regularly use this section.
“It was suggested that illuminations could be used to improve the crossings, which are poorly marked and where accidents have happened in the past.”
But Lancashire County Council, which is responsible for highways, said it has no plans for this work.
Paul Binks, road and transport safety manager for Lancashire County Council, said: “The entrance of Howick C of E Primary School is from the A59 which is why we’re proposing to lower the speed limit on the section of the A59 outside the school.
“We are currently working on a proposal for a part-time 20mph limit to operate at the start and end of the school day on Liverpool Road outside the entrance on Hutton Grammar School, but have no plans to lower the limit on the A59 nearby as the school does not front onto it.
“There is no recent history of accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists crossing the A59 at this point but we’ll discuss any concerns with the parish council as part of the consultation process.”
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