Watch out! School's back

This week is the first week back for thousands of local children and Wigan Council is asking drivers to be extra vigilant on the roads as they inevitably get busier.

That's the message from the council's road safety team as the borough’s schools start the autumn term.

Andy Allen, the council’s school travel officer, says:

"It’s an exciting time for many children, especially those getting buses or perhaps walking to school on their own for the first time. Many won’t have motorists on their minds. Please would all road users help by taking special care, slowing down and staying safe."

Andy and his team will be visiting more schools over the next weeks and months as efforts continue to encourage alternatives to the school run in cars.

The message is that there are often healthier and often faster alternatives, but if you must use a car to take children to school, please park sensibly and well away from the school gates or lollipop patrol area.