LIB Dem councillors are calling on Surrey County Council to fund 20mph speed limits outside schools.

Hazel Watson, leader of the Lib Dems on the county council, believes lower speed limits are desired by many parents to ensure the safety of their children.

Despite this, she said Surrey has been slow to introduce 20mph speed limits outside schools and blames a lack of political will by the council’s Tory administration.

Mrs Watson said: “Surrey parents want their children to be safe going to and from school and 20mph speed limits outside schools help to achieve this by reducing traffic speeds and improving road safety.

“But while many Surrey parents want 20mph speed limits to be implemented outside their child’s school as is common in many areas outside Surrey, Surrey County Council is being very slow to introduce them.”

The Lib Dem leader cited Surrey leader David Hodge’s evidence to a House of Commons select committee in 2014, in which he said 20mph limits are a “waste of money” unless they are enforced.

“I simply do not believe the council leader’s analysis,” she continued. “The evidence across the country shows that drivers do slow down where there are 20mph speed limits outside schools and any reduction in traffic speeds outside our schools is welcome.

“We must not wait until a child is killed or injured crossing the road near their school before introducing a 20mph limit. The safety of Surrey’s children must be a top priority, not put at the bottom of the pile.”