PUPILS at a school are seeing their own drawings bring down the speed of drivers.

Children from Gothic Mede Lower School in Arlesey have designed signs for the newly-designated 20 mph zone, which includes a new raised zebra crossing and wider footpaths.

The scheme is designed to reduce speeding traffic around the school and improve safety for pupils.

The zone, which also includes Arlesey Nursery, the library resource centre and town council offices, is part of the Safer Routes to School programme run by Central Bedfordshire Council.

Derek Archer, headteacher at Gothic Mede Lower School, said: “The pupils have enjoyed designing road signs and seeing the changes that have happened to the road. Drivers appear to have noticed the change in speed limit and are helping to keep our children safe by slowing down.”

Cllr Tony Brown, deputy executive member for sustainable communities at the council, met with the children to celebrate. He said: “This scheme has not only improved safety in the area but also improved the look of the High Street. I hope that these improvements encourage more journeys to the school and surrounding area by foot and bicycle.”