SWINDON should lead the country in road safety outside schools, according to MP Julia Drown.

The member for South Swindon spoke out at the first meeting of parents who are setting up a West Swindon road safety group.

Their decision came in the wake of the death of 13-year-old Shaun Shirley, who was killed after being chased onto Corton Crescent near Asda last year.

Ms Drown said: "Many parents have raised the issue about safety outside schools to me, and I think this is one area where Swindon can lead the way.

"It is something I have always been passionate about.

"A lot of people agree that speed limits should be cut outside schools and we need to change the culture so that when people see a school they know to cut their speed."

Parents at the meeting discovered it was not straightforward to impose a 20mph speed limit outside schools.

Investigation by Ms Drown revealed it cost roughly £6,000 to draw up plans, place signs and install traffic calming measures to ensure traffic slowed.

The meeting looked at alternative ways of cutting speeds and helping to save youngsters' lives.

The council runs a safer route to schools scheme that allows schools to submit bids for cash to improve road safety.

Bids are prioritised and the money sent where the authority judges it to be most needed.

The meeting was shown a copy of a study done by Scottish local authorities in 1997, when 20mph speed limit signs were placed outside schools but no traffic calming measures were added.

The average speed fell by only one mph but there was a big drop in the number of accidents.

Margaret Tester, the council's road safety officer, said: "We need a change in the mode of transport to school. If we can cut down the number of cars coming to a school we will automatically make it safer for children.

"Schools have been worried about submitting bids for the school travel plan but it doesn't have to be a huge document. A side of A4 can be enough.

"Road safety can be used in any area of the school curriculum and it is important to keep the education process going.

"There are tales of 11-year-old children walking into the road while using their mobile phones, so we can't stop teaching them how important road safety is."

Any parents interested in supporting the group are asked to contact Margaret Tester on Swindon 466399.