ENCOURAGING more children to walk to school is the aim of improvements in two villages. Work in Codicote and St Ippolyts begins this month to slow traffic and increase crossing points to encourage parents to leave the car at home and allow the kids to wa

ENCOURAGING more children to walk to school is the aim of improvements in two villages.

Work in Codicote and St Ippolyts begins this month to slow traffic and increase crossing points to encourage parents to leave the car at home and allow the kids to walk.

In Codicote the plan includes a pedestrian crossing in the High Street, a speed activated sign, road markings, a dropped kerb and an extension of the 30mph limit.

St Ippolyts will get a pedestrian crossing in London Road, two vehicle activated speed signs, road markings and parking restrictions.

Stuart Pile, county council executive member for highways, transport and rural affairs, said: "The new crossings will be of real benefit for all local people but specifically for children who attend the local schools.

"Coupled with measures to cut vehicle speeds, we hope this will encourage many more children to walk to school."

Codicote Primary School head teacher Liz Pollard said: "I think it's a really good thing for the school, the village and the whole community.

"A couple of years ago two boys were knocked over in the High Street and a crossing is one of the things that will improve things.

"A large volume of traffic comes through the village and some parents drive their children to school because they are worried about it. Most children want to walk and cycle to school independently."

Work begins in Codicote tomorrow (Monday) and is due to start in St Ippolyts a week later. Both schemes are due to finish on December 19.

Traffic will be disrupted between 9.30am and 4.30pm on weekdays when temporary traffic lights will be in place. Codicote High Street will be shut on Sundays between November 16 and 30 and on December 14. In St Ippolyts, London Road will be closed on Sundays between November 23 and December 7. Drivers wanting to use the B656 between Hitchin and Welwyn will be diverted via Stevenage.