HIGHWAYS chiefs are set to bring in safety measures near a Bolton secondary school - to encourage more children to walk to school.

Council bosses are worried that too many Bolton schoolchildren are taken to school by car.

So now they want to create a "safe route" near Withins School at Breightmet.

A report which will be presented to the highways sub committee on Thursday says children being ferried to school by car "exacerbates traffic congestion and pollution, is bad for children's health and prevents them from developing their own road safety skills. "

Children at Withins School were sent a questionnaire which asked them what put them off walking or catching a bus to school.

They said that they feared crossing the road because of speeding cars, lack of visibility and the volume of parked cars.

So highway chiefs are planning to bring in traffic calming measures in the area around the school on Newby Road.

But only "bus friendly" measures will be used such as "speed cushions" or "flat top speed humps".

At present, the council only has £55,000 available for the project in the current financial year, but it is hoped more cash will be available to complete the scheme next year.

Councillors will be asked to give their backing to the scheme on Thursday. The proposals will then be advertised and brought in if there are no objections.

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