Sun helps kids get safely to school

Milton Keynes Council is using the power of the sun to ensure that pupils at Hanslope Combined School get to and from school safely - thanks to solar panels that operate flashing warning lights to make drivers aware of school crossing patrols.

The solar panels collect energy during the day - even during cloudy, autumnal and wintry conditions - and are therefore ideal for use in this country. The panels are robust, self-cleaning units that 'trickle charge' powerful batteries within the column. The lights are tiny light emitting diodes (LED's) that last for up to 20 years.

The site at Hanslope is one of the first in Milton Keynes to feature this solar powered technology – and having the new lights has helped the Council recruit a school crossing patrol to work at the site. "Children and parents in Hanslope have had to negotiate a busy commuter route into and out of Milton Keynes," says David Frost, road safety team leader. "Now they have peace of mind thanks to this safer facility, backed by the new school crossing patrol.

'It seems particularly fitting that we are able to use the latest technology to assist children on their school journey during the year that we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the school crossing patrol service," David Frost added.

Russell Fancroft, headteacher at Hanslope Combined School, said; "These flashing lights have helped ensure that we have a school crossing patrol on duty every morning and afternoon - meaning that children travelling to the school have a safer crossing facility."

For further information visit the Milton Keynes web site at: http://www.mkweb.co.uk/mkcouncil