VALE council leader, Cllr John Thomas visited Barry's High Street School in Barry for a road safety scheme launch.

The scheme launched on Thursday, May 9, sees investment in projects across the county.

Welsh Government funding has been secured for initiatives that involve making safety upgrades to certain routes and improving safety among road users through training.

Eight initiatives will be launched in the Vale.

These include two road improvement projects in Barry and another in Llandow as well as Vale-wide training courses for drivers, cyclists and motorcyclists.

Cardiff Road in Barry, between Green Lane and Biglis roundabout, will see its speed limit reduced to 40mph, vehicle-activated speed warning signs installed and high-friction surfacing introduced at bends.

Work on the road from Floodgate Roundabout to Nash Corner in Llandow will include the extension of edge of carriageway markings and the creation of a 750 metre central hatched area.

A route in Barry that extends along Porthkerry, Romilly and Windsor roads and passes a number of schools will benefit from better pedestrian crossing opportunities.

There will also be child pedestrian training for five to seven-year-olds in the Vale, helping them stay safe around roads, and cycle training for year six pupils.

Pre-driver education courses will be on offer to those aged 16 and over, providing the opportunity to develop safe behaviours before getting behind the wheel.

The post-test motorbike training available adds another safety level to those who have recently passed their test as does the Pass Plus Cymru scheme for new drivers.

Cllr Thomas said: “This is a fantastic initiative that will have benefits throughout the Vale, making travel routes in the county safer.

“We have been successful in gaining Welsh Government funding for a range of projects, all with the aim of raising safety standards, whether that be on specific routes or among road users.

“Training courses are being provided for drivers, cyclists and motorcyclists as well as improvements made to certain areas of the highway.”

High Street Primary head teacher Ceri-Ann Clark added: "Cycle training in schools provides invaluable life skills to enable pupils to increase their independence on the roads safely."