TRAFFIC outside a Hereford school is to be restricted to 20mph.

Vehicles using Friars Street, near Lord Scudamore Primary School, will have to put their brakes on as part of a package of measures by Herefordshire Council.

The other steps to improve safety include widening footpaths, narrowing the road, improving pedestrian crossing points and better street lighting.

Youngsters from the school have also been involved in the project and two winning drawings are incorporated in the new 20mph speed restriction signs.

Pupils Connaugh Davey, aged 10 and Ben Chandler, 11, drew the winning pictures following a competition organised by the school's art club.

Both Connaugh and Ben won prizes including a £20 voucher, rucksacks and a framed certificate.

The traffic calming initiative was agreed following consultation last year including a public exhibition.

"By engaging the schoolchildren as part of the project we were able to raise awareness of road safety among the youngsters," said Councillor Brian Wilcox, cabinet member of Herefordshire Council responsible for highways.

"The children's drawings now incorporated in the two speed signs next to St Nicholas Church have not only raised awareness of road safety at the school but we hope they carry a stronger message to drivers by making the signposts more personal."