CLASSROOM friends Lois Cox and Laura Tatum don't want cars to hare along outside their school - they want them to go as slow as tortoises.

Signs designed by the eight-year-olds will be used at St Cuthbert's Primary in Norley Hall, Wigan to help stop car accidents.

They tell motorists to ''drive tortoise slow'' while they are near the school gates, where a new 20mph speed restriction has been introduced.

The school has also come up with its own travel plan, which aims to reduce car use as well as improve safety for youngsters on journeys to and from St Cuthbert's.

Staff and pupils have been working with the council's engineering services to catalogue the main routes that children take to the school and then to identify potential dangers.

The council's travel plan co-ordinator, Ken Gore, said: ''There was a problem with both moving and parked cars on Thorburn Road, before and after school, which were a real danger for children crossing the road.''

Safety schemes

Now traffic-calming measures have been introduced which, as well as Lois and Laura's signs, also include the 20mph speed limit, speed cushions and waiting restrictions for parked vehicles.

Zebra crossings have been added to the school's car park entrances, while a mini road network has been painted on the playground so the youngsters can practise their road safety education.

Teacher Susan Jones added: ''The reduction in the number of cars outside the school, along with new, additional footways have significantly improved safety.

''Pupils are being taught road safety and better travelling habits like walking and cycling, which also benefits their school's environment.''

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