THE ACCELERATOR has finally been pressed on a project to cut traffic dangers to schoolchildren.

Parents and drivers are being given a say in tightening up safety on the Romsey school run.

Nearly four years after the Safer Routes to School initiative was launched, the scheme to make pupils' journeys to Halterworth primary school and Mountbatten secondary school safer is gathering pace.

Hampshire County Council planners have spoken to children, mums, dads and governors from the schools, as well as Test Valley Council and residents, before drawing up the proposals. Questionnaires and workshops meant scores of people put forward their ideas.

Now plans for the new-look road are being sent out to a thousand homes near the two schools for residents to comment.

People are being asked whether they think the proposals for streets in Halterworth and Whitenap will really work.

Their comments and suggestions should help the project take strides forward.

The scheme includes putting speed cushions, road humps and a 20mph limit along Halterworth Lane.

On Botley Road, used by dozens of school children, the county council plans to build four pedestrian refuges.

And on Whitenap Lane, road safety officers want to build an off-road cycle and pedestrian link which will join Northlands Road.

Leaflets on the changes will also be dished out at Mountbatten and Halterworth schools. The closing date for comments is July 18.