Cary to lower speed limits near schools

Cary, N.C. — The Town Council voted Thursday to lower speed limits in school zones throughout Cary and to spend $260,000 to install signs and warning measures in those zones.

Speed limits near Cary’s 22 public schools will be at least 10 mph lower than regular posted speeds, with no speeds lower than 25 mph, officials said. The reduced speeds will be in effect from 30 minutes before classes begin each morning until 30 minutes after schools dismiss in the afternoon.

To heighten awareness of the school zone speeds, signs with flashing lights will be installed at the zones this fall, officials said. Cary officials said they would work with the state Department of Transportation on the new signage since some schools are located on state-maintained roads.

“We believe that these changes will go a long way in helping to ensure that our children can come and go from school in a very safe environment,” Cary Police Chief Scott Cunningham said in a statement. “The safety of our children is priceless, and the value of these measures will prove to be very beneficial as we move forward.”

The moves come after two students were injured last fall when they were hit by cars near Green Hope High School.

After the second incident, police began  to crack down on students cutting across a railroad line to cross busy Carpenter Upchurch Road in front of the school.

Town officials studied safety around local schools in recent months and determined street safety was handled differently from one school to the next. Officials said they would work with Wake County school district administrators on incorporating standard pedestrian safety measures into site and design plans for all new schools in town.